Spending time fighting the fat with little or no success? You’re not alone. Fat loss is one of the most common lifestyle goals, but also one of the hardest to achieve. If you’re fed up with not seeing results, then be sure to avoid these common fat-loss faux pas.
Lack of workout intensity
Your body gets used to working out so you need to push yourself to keep seeing results – increasing the weight or changing the number of reps/sets can help. High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is also a great option. These exercises consist of a period of all-out effort, followed by a short rest period. Repeated several times it allows for more calories to be burned for longer.
Not enough variety
Low intensity steady state (LISS) cardio is a long bout of exercise at a constant pace. In contrast, cardio can be more fun and interesting through HIIT training and full-body exercises. This form of training will challenge your muscles and cardiovascular system. Incorporate strength training into your routine at least twice per week to maximise fat loss and minimise muscle loss. Building some muscle will increase your calorie burning capacity.
Eat too much
We may only workout for 1 hour at the gym, but what we eat during the remaining 23 can shape our progress. When trying to lose weight we need to be in a caloric deficit, burning more calories than we are taking in. A combination of healthy fats, carbohydrates and protein is best – for most, a ratio of 40% carbs, 40% protein and 20% fat works well.
Not eating enough protein
Protein helps with repairing and building muscle, but can also encourage fat loss. Protein makes us feel fuller for longer. In addition, a high protein diet can help to stabilise blood glucose and insulin levels, improve muscle to fat ratio’s and positively impact blood lipids. All of our protein blends contain high levels of protein - a great way to get more into your diet.
Thinking healthy food is calorie free
Controlling our portions, especially of high fat and calorie foods like nuts and seeds, although high in the omegas and micronutrients, are not calorie free. Load up on micronutrient dense foods like green vegetables, and lean protein sources like chicken and fish, instead of high calorie carbohydrates.
