Weightloss 101

A Brief Introduction

Dieting and weight loss in America have become topics that everyone has at least some familiarity with, whether you want to start trying to lose weight yourself or have seen someone you know start a diet. The number of misconceptions, myths, and flat out lies surrounding weight loss is just absurd. Everyone and their brother has a secret dieting technique that'll get you shredded in 60 days or get you to lose 10 pounds in a month. The reality is very simple, but sometimes hard to hear if you've listened to all of the marketing from those that just want you to throw your money their way.

What Works

All of weight loss boils down to one simple rule "If one consumes fewer calories than they expend in a day, they will lose weight". "If one consumes more calories than they expend they will gain weight". It really is that simple. The most realistic rate of weightloss one can expect without starving themselves is losing 1 % of your bodyweight per week. This is a healthy and sustainable weightloss where you can expect to lose fat without sacrificing lean mass.

What doesn't

There is no magical diet that makes you lose more weight because you cut out sugar or all carbohydrates. The only advantage that these things would give you is if it was the only way you could get yourself to stop overeating. I'll say it again, when it comes to weight loss CALORIES are KING. Cutting out fat, sugar,carbs,meat is not a magic recipe for spectacular weightloss. Cutting out food will only provide a positive effect if it involves cutting out excess calories. No food is evil. It is not in your best interest to demonize sugar,bread,pasta or even french fries or pizza. Some food simply has more calories, therefore, you can eat less of it if you want to lose weight. I will repeat this one more time # It really is that simple. It is 100 percent possible to lose any number of pounds without stepping foot in a gym. It is definitley more difficult for various reasons, but it is possible.

Now I know how to lose weight, what about my health?

Now I will admit if you are trying to lead a healthy lifestyle, while you could lose weight eating nothing but fried chicken, french fries, and protein powder, you'd be missing quite a few important nutrients. That's where food composition comes in. Eating nutrient dense, whole foods not only makes it easier to fill up on fewer calories, but it makes sure you get all of your vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals to keep you functioning and feeling your best.

Easy Actionable Steps to take TODAY!

Go to http://www.calculator.net/calorie-calculator.html
Enter your information
Download myfitnesspal
Enter the calorie goal for losing 1 pound/week or 2 pounds if you are at least 200 pounds from calorie calculator
Eat a diet consisting of as many lean meats/whole grains/whole fruits/vegetables as you can
Track your food in myfitnesspal to see what you're eating in a day
Stay under your calorie goal for the day
Weigh yourself daily after using the bathroom first thing in the morning
Track your results
Lower calories as your weight loss slows

Leave any questions in the comments I'd love to answer any fitness or nutrition related questions you may have!
Thank you so much for reading

Here's what I looked like after losing 10 pounds from doing exactly what I outlined above