To shed pounds, maybe we should just simply cut the fat, right?  What substance is most easily and readily metabolized by the body?  You guessed it- fat!!  Some fat can be used as ‘high octane’ energy, but more often then not, it simply translates to more fat being stored in our body.  This being the case, would it make sense to simply cut the fat out of our diet and begin to see the pounds melt away and the inches disappear? 

While limiting fat intake can lower calorie consumption and translate to physique changes, it is not in and of itself the answer.  Many may find that choosing only fat free foods actually leads to additional fat gain.  Huh?  How can this be?  READ THE LABELS!  You will find that many fat free options in your local super market are high in sugar.  Suppliers will increase sugar in reduced fat foods to make the food more palatable.  Excessive calories from sugar are linked to obesity.  Sugar packs more calories in to a smaller volume of food. 

HOW DOES SUGAR CAUSE HARM?

Increases in sugar intake translates to an increase in insulin production.  Insulin regulates carbohydrate and fat metabolism in the body.  It essentially takes sugar out of the blood stream and turns it in to fat.  High insulin levels interfere with the brains ability to receive signals from another hormone called leptin.  This hormone, leptin, helps send messages to the brain in regards to appetite.  With leptin blocked, a person would feel as if they were starving.  So, not only is sugar driving fat storage, but it makes the brain think it is hungry.  Sugar is a double edged sword sabotaging your weight loss battle!!

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO? 

– LIMIT SUGAR INTAKE:  Cut it out completely if possible.  Start by avoiding sugary drinks such as non-diet sodas and sugar laden juices.  Reach for water to quench your thirst.

– CARBOHYDRATE SOURCES:  Favor food sources high in fiber to accompany your protein.

– EXERCISE:  Be sure to include an exercise regimen that is comprised of cardio AND resistance training.  I have brought up study after study proving how important resistance training is- even more so than cardio.  You can kill two birds with one stone and get cardio and resistance training in with a good circuit training program.  At THE FIT FACTORY, we offer a Group Circuit Training.  It’s challenging, hi-energy, and an overall killer anaerobic and aerobic workout…