Weight Loss Versus Fat Loss

While many people talk generally about wanting to lose weight few people make the distinction between exactly what kind of weight they want to lose. If it really doesn't matter to you, then the "Amputation Diet" (yes, the name says it all and yes, it is real!) is obviously one of the best methods because it's fast and long-lasting! However if, in addition to weight loss, you'd actually like to tone up and develop a better body overall, then there are several other factors that you need to consider.

1. Body composition. Your body is comprised of both lean mass and fat mass. Lean mass comprises your organs, bones, skeletal muscles and other non-fat entities. The easiest way to build a better body is to maintain or even slightly increase your lean mass (especially your muscle mass) as well as reducing your fat mass. Better body 101: build muscle and burn fat. Lean muscle tissue is one of our major metabolism boosters. One kilogram of lean muscle tissue burns twice as many calories as one kilogram of fat just through its very existence. The more muscle you have the higher your BMR (basal metabolic rate) is. Your BMR is the energy that the body requires to sustain itself just to live. The higher the rate the more energy your body burns during rest (and so the more you can eat - without gaining weight - if you want to; or you can eat the same amount as you currently do but lose weight at the same time).

2. Weight versus size. You can weigh 60kg and have a thigh measurement of 90 cm or you can weigh 60kg and have a thigh measurement of 85 cm. If you are smaller according to the tape measure or your favourite pair of jeans (despite what the scales say) it is because you have more muscle mass than fat than if you weighed the same on the scales but more according to the tape-measure (ie, one kilogram of lean muscle tissue is a lot more compact than one kilogram of fat thus why you appear smaller).

3. Your original body shape. Everyone is unique. However, it is possible to change your body shape. You might be an apple or a pear, but you can always reduce the size of your fruit. Furthermore, appropriate exercises can not only help you lose weight but actually enable you to change your shape (eg transform yourself from a pear to a triangle) if you really want to (and are prepared to put in the work!)

Finally, and perhaps most important of all, is what's going on inside your head. Pretty much any diet or exercise program will work - if you stick to it. However, if you are trying to lose weight and hating the process then chances are you will be one of the 96% of people who regain all the weight they lose - and more - within two years. True long-lasting weight loss success is all about consistency and consistency doesn't come from deprivation, discomfort or disempowerment. It comes from knowing your body, knowing what you want from it, and knowing what exercises you genuinely enjoy performing.

For more information on my crazy (but challenging, creative and calorie burning) exercises check out my extensive range of ebooks or book me for an exercise engagement session NOW!