Low fat, high fat, Paleo, Atkins, Dukan, Dash … the list is endless when it comes to diets and often the advice in them is to lower the amounts of one of the macro nutrient groups. I am not knocking these as it is important to remember that everyone is different and what works for one may not work for another. But consistency is key – you need to find something that you can stick to!
The truth is that you can’t cheat physics – if you consume more calories than you burn then you will put on weight, and vice versa. However, it is a little more complicated than that. In my experience this holds true (calories in vs calories out), but only if the body is working ok. Often, if people are living off junk food then hormone responses are usually all over the place and typically metabolisms are shot – meaning our client’s bodies at starting point are not burning nearly as many calories, even at rest, as they can be. Therefore, in our plan we focus on eating ‘cleanly’ and healthily first.
It is worth recognising that often there are interventions that need to be made when it comes to macronutrients. Invariably, we find that our clients are consuming too many carbohydrates relative to their movement and exercise levels. We also usually find that too much fat is being consumed, particularly through the consumption of hyper palatable ‘fake foods’. So, whilst our plans will usually intervene to lower ‘bad’ fat consumption and lower carbohydrate intake (also optimising carbohydrate intake around activity), I would always be sceptical of plans that are encouraging of you removing a macronutrient group. The truth to the original question in this blog is that nothing should be removed! It is true that a varied and balanced diet, eaten consistently is key.
If you want to learn more about how to eat for fat loss, physical improvement or sports performance, get in touch to book on to our food courses. Or alternatively transform your health and fitness with our Evolve Natural Fitness recover plan.