Could Your Diet Be Making You Fat?

There are so many "diets" (I hate that word) out there that that it’s impossible to know which ones work and which ones are the scam. So many of my clients will say, "I can’t understand it, I’m on such and such a diet, but I’m not losing weight!" If you’re still having trouble losing weight even though you are following their plan then it’s about time you got to "doing it right."

The Calorie Counter
A lot of "diet" plans claim that you don’t need to count calories in order to lose weight, but at the end of the day if you go over the calorie allotment for someone your size and you do this each and every day, BINGO…you are going to gain weight; or at the very minimal, stay the same!

Eat more calories than you burn and you won’t lose. Eat less calories than you are supposed to and not only do you not lose but you teach your body to be a fat storing machine. You don’t have to obsess about calories but DO spend at least a week figuring out what your ideal calorie intake should be, and then customize your food plan. You’re efforts will be well worth it.

6 Small Meals a Day
I have always been an advocate of 6 small meals a day. Basically because it gets your metabolism working again and keeps your blood sugar level up where it belongs so you don’t experience the constant urge to overeat or crave a lot of sweets. It works great if you understand what a "food portion size" should be and if you are eating 6 mini-meals that don’t go over your calorie allotment for the day. I am sure you have noticed the ridiculous portion sizes at most restaurants when you are out to eat. The people prior to 1950 were thinner because portion sizes when eating out were normal! Today they are meant to feed two, sometimes three people! So know this…. Most meals when eating out should be divided or shared with another!

Try to keep your calorie consumption (for women trying to lose) to about 250 calories per each mini meal; times 6 mini meals a day equals…1500 calories for most women. Men can have about 50 additional calories at each meal. In order for any good food plan to work you should have some form of moderate activity in your daily schedule.

It’s very easy to go over 250-300 calories at a sitting and not even notice. For example; 2 large eggs scrambled, 1 slice multi grain dry toast, and an 8 oz. orange juice = 412 calories. 1 fat free yogurt and 1 granola bar = 350 calories. 1 cup pasta, ½ cup marinara sauce, and 1/2 cup green beans = 389 calories. See how you can end up eating more than you meant to (this is why I advocate a food journal). Make sure you are controlling your portions at all meals and that your "calorie limit" for the day is spread out evenly throughout the day.

Protein Shakes & Bars
Yes, yes…strength training does help to build fat burning muscle. But it has also led to many people over-doing their protein supplements. Increasing your protein intake will help build muscle and maintain that muscle while you’re burning off fat, however, it is important to adjust your protein intake to your activity level or any excess will be stored as fat. If you work out regularly, and supplement with protein shakes or bars but still can’t lose weight, consider cutting back on your protein supplements on the days that you don’t train. You should also be adjusting your carb intake on the days that you don’t train. Doing this could save you extra calories and help you shave off those extra pounds that have been driving you bananas!

Could Your Diet Be making You Fat?
A Blog with helpful hints and weightloss support