Thinking about losing weight often leads to the idea of counting calories and eating less, but that might not be the best approach. Terry Fairclough, a well-known personal trainer, challenges the idea that slashing calories is the way to go.
There are many opinions about what the best weight loss diet is, ranging from low-calorie counts to various types like low fat, low carb, or high protein. Some suggest fasting, while others recommend several small meals a day. However, cutting calories drastically might cause weight to drop quickly, but often not in the form of fat loss, which is actually what many aim for.
In today’s world, many people tend to eat more than necessary. Reducing calorie intake a bit might be helpful since overeating is a common issue. But cutting too dramatically can lead to losing water weight from glucose and not the fat you’re targeting. Sustaining such a calorie deficit could trick your body into holding onto fat while breaking down protein, which isn’t ideal.
Protein plays an essential role by helping to burn more fat at rest. Therefore, it’s important to get a balanced intake of proteins, fats, and carbs. Fat is a crucial energy source, offering more energy than carbs or protein, and helps with fueling exercise. Avoiding fats altogether can leave the body without the energy needed for workouts, hindering fat loss.
Moreover, cutting calories excessively can lead to nutrient deficiencies, affecting the immune system and metabolism. Health issues such as fatigue, malnutrition, and hormonal disorders can arise from such stringent diets. Stress from low-calorie diets can further increase cortisol, a stress hormone, initially causing weight loss but potentially leading to fat retention around the middle in the long run.
Excessive calorie cutting also impacts metabolism, digestion, and overall health. Stress-related sleep disturbances can lead to further health drawbacks. Even bodybuilders face health issues if they restrict calories too much. Long-term calorie restricting may push your body into a “famine mode,” making it harder to maintain a healthy weight once increased.
The key takeaway is to consume the right balance of calories and nutrients suitable for your body type, goals, and lifestyle. Terry Fairclough’s program emphasizes healthy eating without calorie restriction, showing that consuming more balanced meals can facilitate fat loss.
It’s important to consume enough lean proteins, healthy carbs, and fats from various sources to maintain energy, support metabolism, and promote overall health.