Many of our trainers (including myself) when discussing nutrition with their clients, advise them to consume fewer calories than they plan to expend. For many, this simple rule is enough to promote healthy weight loss. However, this is a very simplistic view and will not provide a remedy for those who have ever struggled to drop body fat. Most often these people need to watch their carbohydrate intake, in terms of quality and quantity.

It is also important to mention the significance of insulin over carbohydrates in the human body. Insulin ensures were our carbohydrate energy ends up, whether it be used or stored in the muscles or organs or converted to fat. Stereotypes of modern day living such as poor diets and inactivity encourage insulin resistance, an example of this is feeling sleepy after a meal. This happens because the body is less sensitive to insulin and must produce high amounts to remove carbohydrates from the bloodstream. You go from very high blood sugar to very low blood sugar and may then start to crave a sugar snack such as chocolate………and the vicious cycle starts again!

So consuming fewer calories that you need will results in weight loss, but more sensible food choices such as avoiding processed carbohydrates found in fast food and ready meals can bring greater results. So substitute your large carbohydrate meals for healthier options with more protein and healthy fats, but the same calories.

Author: Steven Neville Bsc ACSM