Research reveals that our bodies have a natural weight or a 'set point' that we return to, irrespective of what we consume or the extent of activity we perform. This is often referred at times to plateauing, when the numbers don't change week on week, which puts our willpower and motivation to the test. Research shows that we tend to have low set points in our 20's and 30's, but then often our set points increase, this is linked to the menopause, both in men and women.
Our bodies set point is very individual but researchers believe its created bu our environment, genetics and predisposition, to some degree it is simply the weight our body has become used to, over time.
We can change our bodies set point by slowing ourselves down and having support.
By taking time to lose weight gives our bodies chance to adjust to our new food levels, rather than bouncing back to our 'usual' weight. Taking time allows our biological systems i.e. nutrient intake, hormone levels and neurotransmitters to adapt to the change. Dieting creates the yo-yo effect of losing weight and gaining weight, taking time to eat healthy and make small changes allows us to achieve new set points of our choice.
Having support to keep you motivated and to catch small gains before they become big gains and sharing your journeys allows you not to be disheartened as time passes and motivation sometimes feels lacking to keep you on track.
We are all different and our journey, often take different twists and turns but by recognising it is a life choice is the most important factor to acknowledge. To support your journey keep an accurate/honest tracker/diary/journal, boost your BMR (Basel Metabolic Rate) the calories burned as your body performs basic life functions also known as RMR (Resting Metabolic Rate) making steps to improve sleep quality. Increase the thermic effect of food by eating more Protein, support appetite by increasing your fibre intake. Increase your NEAT (Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis) move more and your EAT (Exercise Activity Thermogenesis) for example workouts like cardio or strength training, try and reduce cortisol levels (stress) and take your time to lose weight i.e. 0.5lb at a time/week, which is 26lb a year, is 2lb shy of Two stone. It's not a sprint it's a marathon.
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