Something I often tell new clients is that losing weight is simple, once you accept how hard it is.
Seems counterintuitive doesn’t it? But it’s true, losing weight is simple. Simply consume less energy (i.e. calories in food) than your body uses through physiological functions or additional activity. This is called creating an energy balance deficit, or calorie deficit.
Energy Balance Equations
- Energy IN < Energy OUT = Weight Loss
- Energy IN > Energy OUT = Weight Gain
- Energy IN = Energy OUT = Weight Maintenance
But if it’s that simple why do so many people struggle to lose weight and keep it off?
The answer is because “simple” does not equal “easy”.
There are challenges on both sides of this simple equation.
On the “energy out” side there are many, many variables that determine how much energy our body needs. Some of these variables include:
- Physical activity and exercise
- Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis (N.E.A.T.)
- Hormone functions
- Genetic programming
- Age
- Body composition
- Our gastrointestinal microbiome & how we digest the food we eat
- The type of foods we eat
And on the “energy in” side there are also challenges.
One challenge is that it’s next to impossible to accurately measure how many calories we’re actually eating. This is because food labels and calorie counts can be off by up to 20%.
Then there’s the fact that the human metabolism is one of the most complex things in the universe. We’re nowhere close to understanding everything about it.
Unless we’re sitting inside of a lab, it’s impossible to accurately measure how many calories we’re burning or consuming on a daily basis.
The Truth About Calories
This doesn’t mean that calories don’t matter, it simply means we don’t have accurate information to use. So turning our food into complicated “calorie math” probably isn’t going to do us much good. It could also be one more thing to get frustrated with leading us to give up.
Energy balance is still the key to sustainable weight loss.
- Consume less energy (i.e. food) than your body needs = weight loss.
- Consume more energy than your body needs = weight gain.
Since calorie math isn’t overly useful, it’s important to find a sustainable way to track how much you’re eating and your progress over time. One method we use with clients at BluePhoenix Fitness is the BP Hand Method.
Keep in mind there are a million different variables and opinions on “what’s the best diet”, or strategies that might make it easier to eat less or increase your physiological output. But whether we gain weight or lose weight still comes down to simple energy balance – calories in vs. calories out.
Remember, losing weight is simple, once you accept how hard it is.
Keep things simple, put in the work, and reap the rewards.
Would You Like Some Help With This?
Our 16-week Sustainable Weight Loss Solution Level 1 Coaching Program is officially open and we are accepting new clients.
The Sustainable Weight Loss Solution helps people lose up to 40 lbs and go from frustrated to fit in just 16 weeks. This is all done in a sustainable way using our short but effective at-home F.I.R.E. Workouts and Sustainable Nutrition System – NO confusing calorie counting or spending your life in a gym required.
If you’re ready to get off the diet rollercoaster for good, feel stronger and healthier than ever with more confidence in yourself and your body, I would encourage you to apply for a complimentary Transformation Strategy Call today.
During your call we’ll discuss:
- Where you’re at right now in terms of health and fitness
- Where you’d like to be in the next 6-12 months
- Any obstacles or challenges your facing & how to break through them
After that you’ll have a chance to ask any questions you may have, and if it seems like a good fit we can discuss how to get started in the Sustainable Weight Loss Solution Level 1 Coaching Program.
But either way you’ll walk away with crystal clear clarity on what you need to do to achieve your biggest fitness, wellness or weight loss goals.
So take 5 minutes to answer a couple of questions on this page and schedule a time for your complimentary Transformation Strategy Call before the spots fill up.