Summary of Getting Real With You About My Macros by Metabolism and Hormone Support for Women:
The belief that doing more in terms of diet and exercise can lead to better results is flawed and can be counterproductive. The approach of doing more can lead to a lack of sustainability, cause caloric intake and output to work against the individual, lead to metabolic adaptation and hormonal imbalances, as well as an increased risk of injury. Coaching programs are suggested for women over 35, those with diagnosed hormone imbalances, perimenopausal symptoms, and those hoping to see changes in body composition.
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Why the “More is Better” Approach to Health and Fitness is Flawed
Achieving optimal health and fitness is a journey that requires patience, consistency, and a realistic approach. For many individuals, the “more is better” mindset has been ingrained in them, making it challenging for them to slow down and realize that less may be more effective. Here are four reasons why the “more is better” approach to health and fitness may not be the best approach.
Problem 1: Unsustainable Long-Term
When it comes to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, it’s essential to make sure that you can sustain the changes you make for the long-term. Exercising excessively or cutting calories excessively will not only take a toll on your physical health but also your mental health. You risk burnout and exhaustion that could lead to neglecting other areas of your life, such as work, relationships, and social life.
Problem 2: Intake and Output Working Against You
Undereating can be a severe problem when you’re trying to lose weight; it can cause you to lose muscle mass, decline in exercise performance and recovery. Overeating, on the other hand, can lead to a plateau in fat loss, weight gain, and declining muscle mass. Nutritionists and trainers alike recommend that calorie restrictions should not be too aggressive or too rapid. Your metabolic rate will slow if you eat a low-calorie diet for a prolonged period. Additionally, low-calorie diets can cause hormonal imbalances that could lead to hunger, decreased sex hormone production, and even reduced motivation to exercise.
Problem 3: Metabolic Adaptation
Your body’s metabolism can adapt to your diet, slowing your metabolic rate if you’re on a low-calorie diet for a prolonged duration. Hormonal imbalances can further be caused by overdoing it in diet or exercise. Too much cortisol and adrenaline can be the direct result of excessive calorie restriction, chronic overexercising, and stress. These hormones could affect the body’s composition, affecting mood, motivation to move around or work out, energy, and cravings.
Problem 4: Risk of Injury
It’s common sense that the human body needs rest and recovery time after an intense workout or exercise. Overtraining at the gym or not taking enough rests can expose you to injury or illnesses caused by strain. When you’re in this cycle, it’s easy to ignore your body’s signals and exacerbate the injuries.
If you’re looking to make sustainable long-term changes to your health and fitness, the “more is better” approach may do more harm to your body in the long run. Instead, approach health and fitness with mindfulness, balance, and patience, aimed at creating a sustainable lifestyle. If you’re a woman over 35 with a hormone imbalance, perimenopausal symptoms, or want to see changes in body composition, consider reaching out to a coach. Coaches can advise you on how to make holistic lifestyle changes, taking into account different factors such as nutrition, exercise, hormones, and overall health.
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