So You Want to Lose 20 Pounds?

I wanted to share a few words of wisdom and talk about your weight loss goals. I recently had a client tell me that she wanted to lose 20 pounds in one month. I have had thoughts like that, and so have so many of my clients. I don't want to put a damper on her enthusiasm but I did want to share some of my experience with that whole process.

Some of what I have to say, you've no doubt heard before. But some of my ideas might be fresh! When we undertake a weight loss (or fat-loss) project, most of us will have a small amount of weight loss fairly quickly. Like 5 pounds in the first week. This is usually hard to maintain and most people get quite discouraged at the point that they stop losing.

When you think about losing a pound of body fat, remember that, in order to burn a pound, it requires a 3500-calorie deficit. In other words, over say a week, if you burned 500 calories per day more than you consumed (7 X 500), you could expect to be down a pound of body fat. The body fat scale is the only reliable way to measure this.

Many of us are eating up to 3500 calories a day, which is not necessarily bad, it just depends on how much we're burning. Most of us are burning considerably less than we are consuming. Hence the state of our overweight population. Common foods are extremely high in calories and carbs, but most consumers are basically unaware of this as a problem.

Unfortunately, the body is designed to be expert at holding on to fat so, even if we reduce our calories, which is what most dieting is about, the body does not use fat for energy. Fat is the body's last choice. It will use carbohydrates first (blood glucose), protein (muscle) second, and fat last.

So, for example, let's say that you undertake a light yoga program and start eating mostly fruit and vegetables...your body does not burn much calories in a light yoga workout (nothing like say the same amount of time on the elliptical or treadmill), and all the fuel your body needs can be found in the fruits and vegetables (carbs), so it never has to go into it's fat stores at all.

Basically, there is no calorie deficit created there, even though you will feel like you're really putting a lot of effort into your new program. You're not eating your favorite foods, you're exercising - what's the problem? The problem is that this is a mathematical equation and your math is just off.

In my program, we carefully look at how we can keep you full/satisfied with the highest density, and highest quality calories available, which don't immediately get grabbed and utilized/burned by the body. Carbs go to your bloodstream very quickly - we will circumvent that process by eating more protein and EFAs. This slows down the time everything takes to go through your system.

Then we see how we can incorporate some sweating into your week, so you are using more energy than before. This is how you create the calorie deficit.

It's a little science along the way, nothing extravagant. If you're eating yogurt, whole grain toast, fruit, fruit juice, eggs, hashbrowns, lean bacon, whole wheat pasta, whole wheat crackers, whole grain bagels, light cream cheese, carrots, corn and peas, and a little tofu weiner and some chicken, your math will simply not work out. I'm sorry to say. Regardless of how much food manufacturers have tried to convince us that those are all healthy choices. These items are certainly staples in our North American diet, but again, look at the state of North American waistlines.

Let me help you put together a program that will actually give you the results you are looking for. No, it won't take a month. It'll take 90 days of consistent effort. I'll be there with you, every step of the way by phone, by e-mail, by personal visit (if you live in Vancouver, BC). And, before Christmas, you'll have lost the 20 pounds that you want to lose, your clothes will fit better, and you can buy yourself a New Year's outfit in a size that will make you ecstatic!

Yes, you can do this while you go to school, yes, you can do this as a single mom, yes, you can do this as a busy businessman or woman. I have so many strategies that have saved my ass and given me great results, and I am happy to share them with you.

I just know that I can help you Get Your Body Back! I DID IT! SO CAN YOU! What are you waiting for? Just send me an e-mail at getyourbodyback@hotmail.com and let's get you started on your way to fat-burning! Billie