Too many people view fat loss like it is a secret VIP party that requires you to do or say the right thing to get invited. In one sense this is true. Those that are lean understand what must be done to lose fat without gimmicks or quick fixes.
Fat loss is a biological process that does not need to be shrouded in mystery. It is not as easy as some of the gimmicks would have you believe but an understanding of the processes that lead to fat loss will allow you to make the correct decisions to get you where you want to be.
This guide contains everything you need to achieve real, dependable fat loss. There are no quick fixes here. This is only for those that are willing to put in the work and reap the benefits of that work. So read up, because this is your formal invitation to the party.
1. Setting Goals
Before you even get started on a fat loss plan the first thing you want to do is to set goals for yourself. This goal could be to lose 30 lbs. or it could be to see your abs. Whether your goal is to lose a certain number of pounds or to just achieve a certain look you will need to set a reasonable time frame to achieve this. If you do not set a time frame there will be no sense of urgency when trying to make progress.
2. Rate of Progress
When it comes to the rate at which progress can be made fat loss is far different from muscle growth. Whereas building muscle is a slow process, fat loss can take place at a pretty rapid pace. We have all seen the commercials that promise to help you lose 10-20 lbs. in a few weeks. While it is entirely possible to lose huge amounts of weight in short periods of time, this is not what we are aiming for.
Losing weight too quickly will lead to muscle loss. Losing muscle on a fat loss plan will only result in a lower metabolism, a less attractive physique, compromised health, and ultimately a higher chance that the weight lost will be put back on.
On any fat loss plan you should strive to lose 1-2 lbs. per week. This rate of loss will ensure that all weight losses will be fat and not muscle tissue. This will also make sure that progress will continue without a metabolism stall.
3. Individualized Approach
One common theme you will see as you read this guide is that fat loss is best maximized with an individual approach. To get the best possible results a cookie cutter plan will not do. Many things must be taken into account when putting together an effective plan. This guide will show you how to make adjustments based on your individual body type.
4. Definitions and Common Terms
Calories - Calories are a unit of measurement used to describe how much energy value is in food. Excess calories that are not used as energy are stored as fatty tissue within the body.
Micronutrients - Micronutrients are nutrients that the body only needs in trace amounts. Examples of micronutrients are most vitamins and minerals.
Amino Acids - Amino acids are the compounds that make up proteins. They are commonly referred to as the building blocks of protein. Different types of proteins vary in the types and amounts of amino acids that they contain.
Glycogen - Glycogen is carbohydrate stored within the human body. When carbohydrates are ingested they are stored within muscle tissue and liver as glycogen. Glycogen is a primary energy source for the body.
- Metabolic Rate - Metabolic rate refers to the rate at which a person's body uses energy. A higher metabolic rate will use energy more quickly, leading to a leaner physique.
- Protein Synthesis - The process through which amino acids are arranged into proteins. Protein synthesis is the process of muscle growth.
- Anabolic (Anabolism) - Anabolic is the state of muscle growth. If you are building muscle you are in an anabolic state.
- Catabolic (Catabolism) - Catabolic is the state of muscle breakdown. If you are losing muscle you are in a catabolic state.
- Aerobic - Aerobic exercise is exercise that requires the presence of oxygen.Anaerobic - Anaerobic exercise is exercise that does not require the presence of oxygen.
- Substrate - A substrate is any material or substance upon which an enzyme acts.
Role of Body Type in Fat Loss
When trying to lose fat body type is very important to both diet and training. Different body types will require varying levels of calories, macronutrients, and training volumes. Before you can determine how much to eat and how much to train you must know your body type.
Ectomorph. Ectomorphs (or ectos for short) are categorized by one word, THIN. The bone structure of an ectomorph is very narrow. This means that ectos usually have a small rib cage, narrow shoulders, and long thinner limbs. An ectomorph will struggle to add both muscle and fat, so adding body weight is usually a slow process.
Even though ectomorphs will have difficulty getting bigger and stronger their typically fast metabolisms give them a huge advantage when trying to get lean. When trying to get lean muscle loss will always be a concern for the ectomorph.
Mesomorph. Mesomorphs (or mesos for short) are the genetic lottery winners. They are typically athletic looking even with little to no training. Mesomorphs usually have wide shoulders and somewhat thinner waists. One of the main characteristics of a mesomorph is that they add muscle AND lose fat easily.
Although mesomorphs have genetic advantages they are not immune to getting out of shape. If they wish to maintain or improve their physiques, a proper training routine and diet must be employed.
Endomorph. Endomorphs (or endos for short) are somewhat the opposite of an ectomorph. They have a wide bone structure. This means that an endo's rib cage, shoulders, and waist are usually wide. An endomorph will gain both muscle and fat very easily. Because of this most endomorphs struggle to maintain a lean physique.
Although it is harder for an endomorph to get lean, it is not impossible. Also, their body's ability to add and maintain muscle tissue gives them a big advantage when losing fat.
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