Fat Loss Part #1
What happens when someone has almost reached a fat loss goal and is finding it very challenging to lose a final 5-10 pounds?
Picture this….You’re getting very close to your fat loss goal. You believe that you could lose another 5 to 10 pounds of fat, however, right now, you feel pretty good about yourself -mentally and physically. You’ve been following your workout routine/behavior consistently. You’ve been maintaining a healthy and sustainable caloric intake (according to your individual goal). You’re free of pain/injuries. Your sleep and stress patterns are in check. You’re enjoying your social life and activities that make you feel good. You have energy throughout the day. You’re able to to eat and exercise without feeling guilt and shame. Your Dr. Reports your tests came back normal and you’re in good health.
Back to those last 5-10 pounds. Losing more fat would require more adjustments- more changes in behavior- maybe it’s caloric adjustments or increased physical activity overtime. Maybe it’s eating out 2x/month vs. 5x/month. Maybe it’s decreasing alcohol consumption over time. Whatever the change is- let it maximize our lives. It’s very different when someone is an athlete competing in a unique sport, but the majority of us aren’t. If the behavior change begins to drive us insane, make us obsess/think negatively, or impede on our quality of life- socially and emotionally, maybe it would be a good time to reevaluate goals and values.
Having a fat loss goal is awesome and totally cool when intentions are good. Keep in mind that in order to maintain and sustain the last 5-10 pound fat loss, you will need to maintain the behaviors that got you there. The same goes for any amount of weight/fat loss.