target.fitness • May 3, 2022
Greatest Tip For Fat Loss
Do you want to know the greatest tip for fat loss AND for keeping the weight off for years to come?
It’s actually pretty simple.
And it’s this:
Never eat when you're stressed, overwhelmed, or feeling anxious.
Why not? Because when you do you’re a lot more likely to:
- Make poorer choices
- Overestimate portion sizes
- Eat past feeling full
- Notice and increase in you being unsatisfied even by a balanced meal, and you’ll convince yourself you need a sweet fix.
- See an increase in digestive issues after you eat.
We all get stressed. And even if in the middle of what feels like the apocalypse, if you can stop and give yourself 10 minutes to calm down, you’ll find you’re in a better state to make a decision than you were seconds ago.
Our minds and tummies are a lot more connected than you think. And when one system is on ALERT the other "feels" the pain.
(Ever had your stomach tied in knots and not been hungry? Or noticed you don’t process your food as well when you see it on the other end?)
There's a reason I have my clients count macros: it’s about becoming more aware of how the little choices you make (almost automatically) every day affect you. Because over time, little things add up to make big things.
What you eat and how much will help you lose body fat. But understanding how and why you eat will help end the yo-yo cycle far too many people get involved in.
Everyone thinks the most powerful and life-altering changes cost lots of money. But really, the most impactful measures at your disposal are (usually) completely free.
Awareness only costs you a few minutes of attention. And that will save you real money long term.
Food is not “just food.” Food is part of culture. Food is part of family. Food is part of celebrations. Food is part of religion. Food is part of tradition. Food is part of so many aspects of life far outside of simply being “fuel.” The goal isn’t to eliminate your “emotional relationship” with food, the goal is to not allow your emotions to dictate your actions. The goal is to be consciously aware of the decisions you make rather than justifying actions you aren’t proud of because of your emotions. So stop looking for a way to suppress or eliminate your emotions. And, instead, hold yourself to your own highest standard. Quit breaking promises to yourself. Recognize your emotions and, simultaneously, don’t allow your emotions to control you. Easier said than done, I know... So is everything in life. But just because it’s easier said than done doesn’t mean it’s not worth doing.
I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again. Some people struggle with self control. They want to lose fat but have difficulty saying “no.” They mentally justify it in saying they’re “flexible dieting.” But flexible dieting doesn’t mean “eat junk and lose fat.” It means “don’t feel guilty for having a treat - but you still have to be wicked consistent to make significant, lasting changes.” For them, practicing self control and saying “no” more often might help them achieve their goal. Other people struggle with food anxiety. They get anxious at the thought of going out to eat at a restaurant because they don’t want to “ruin their progress.” They feel bad for having a slice of cake at their own birthday party. They know it sounds silly and they often give their friends/family/clients amazing nutrition advice that promotes a more flexible approach... but they struggle with it themselves. For them, saying “yes” more often and having a treat might help them achieve their goals. Progress is not only measured in weight loss or fat loss or measurements or numbers or quantifiable data. Progress is also measured in mental, emotional, and behavioral changes. And, candidly, if you don’t improve your mindset first, any physical changes/improvements are going to be short-lived. Because sustainable results only happen with a sustainable mindset.
It’s wild to me that this is even a thing. Often, people message me asking if it’s “ok” to eat fruit because “it has so much sugar 😱.” I get bombarded with messages from “coaches” and “professionals” telling me I’m basically sentencing people to death by encouraging them to eat fruit. What is going on. It’s fruit... Apples and grapes and bananas and oranges and watermelon and strawberries and raspberries and blackberries and blueberries. We’re talking about fruit, people. You’re worried about the “damage” caused by eating FRUIT!? What is going on? No one ever got fat from eating fruit. No one ever became unhealthy from eating fruit. No one ever looked back on their life in their death bed and said “you know...I really should of had less fruit.” No one ever got massively overweight and said, “man...I really think it was the grapes that did it.” Let’s use some common sense. Fruit. Eat it. It’s good for you.
