The naked truth about fat

When people come to us and say, “I want to lose some weight,” we say we can help—with one caveat. We believe you need to lose fat not weight.

If you are working out properly and building muscle—which weighs more than fat—you could end up trimming fat without losing an ounce.

We tell people that the goal is to look good and fit when you are fully clothed. Since you usually aren’t around other people when you’re naked and standing on a scale, no one will know what you weigh unless you tell them. So don’t tell them.

Understanding the enemy

Fat is up to 10 percent hydrated. Muscle is up to 80 percent hydrated. That means that if you don’t have enough water in your body, it will make more fat than muscle.

Fat hinders metabolism, it doesn’t burn calories just being there. Muscles help metabolism; they burn calories even at rest.

Blood does not move as well through fat as it does through muscles and organs. More blood pressure is required to move blood through fat. That’s why people with high blood pressure are encouraged by doctors to “lose weight.”

When fat is in the midsection it can push on major organs, causing problems from incontinence to diabetes.

How to lose it

1. Drink water: Staying well-hydrated will allow you to build muscle and will discourage your body from creating fat.
2. Eat foods that boost metabolism: These include fruits, vegetables, proteins and complex carbohydrates.
3. ‍Get up and move: If you move, especially if you move correctly, your body will drop the baggage.
4. Allow time for rest: When you overload your muscles, you need equal time for them to rest and heal.
5. Develop a positive attitude: Keep looking for that silver lining, it makes a huge difference.

Consistency is the key to losing fat and keeping it off. Forget the scale, get out the tape measure and let your reflection guide you.