Blog Title: Where Does Body Fat Really Go, & How Do I Get Rid of It?

Introduction

X product will help ‘melt‘ belly fat.

Hmm, lots of commercial companies are telling porkies.

‘Targeted fat loss’ isn’t a thing, and we don’t ‘melt‘ fat.

Our bodies go through a process of unlocking triglycerides (stored fat), transporting it through the bloodstream via proteins (lipoprotein – fat bonded to a protein), and then burning them in the mitochondria through a process called beta-oxidation, then the energy generated from that process enters the Krebs cycle where the body can make ATP (adenosine triphosphate) for energy…

AND THAT is something we don’t need a special pill, magic potion, or lots of cardio to do.

We can’t control our genetic makeup, and we can’t say specifically ‘target fat loss from our pecs, back or bum‘, BUT we can control the variables that dictate this fun little process and improve a desired body composition (less fat more muscle). Then we get the fat loss in the areas we want most, through consistency and progression.

That’s where the permanent wins are.

It’s not rocket science, and it’s very simple.

Understanding how to apply a lifestyle that enables this process to happen is built on being open to learning, not to get disheartened immediately when we are not shredded for looking at a salad, and to ALWAYS embody a practice, tweak, practice, tweak approach.

SO! Contrary to common misconceptions, and the crap that mainly commercial supplement companies will spout, fat doesn’t simply vanish; it undergoes a complex metabolic transformation facilitated by enzymes and nourished by a supporting lifestyle.

Exercise

Regular exercise stimulates the release of hormones like adrenaline, which activate hormone-sensitive lipase and kick-start the breakdown of fat stores. Moreover, exercise enhances insulin sensitivity, allowing for better regulation of blood sugar levels and promoting efficient fat metabolism. It’s beneficial to exercise with many modes, resistance training and HIIT in particular will help you get leaner faster.

Nutrition

Certain nutrients play a pivotal role in supporting the fat-burning process. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts, aid in regulating metabolism. Protein-rich foods, such as lean meats… more fish, eggs, legumes etc, contribute to muscle maintenance, ensuring an efficient fat-burning furnace. Additionally, antioxidants from fruits and vegetables combat oxidative stress, promoting overall cellular health.

Sleep

Adequate and quality sleep is a crucial factor in the body’s ability to burn fat. During sleep, the body undergoes essential repair and recovery processes, including the regulation of hormones involved in appetite and metabolism. A  lack of sleep disrupts this delicate balance, leading to imbalanced levels of the hunger hormone ghrelin, decreased levels of the hormone leptin which are both responsible for appetite, and inconsistent levels of insulin for blood sugar balance. As a result, insufficient sleep may lead to sugar cravings, overeating, and a lack of motivation which drastically hinders the body’s efficiency in utilizing fat stores for energy. So yes, rest!

Hydration

Proper hydration is often underestimated in its role in supporting fat loss. Water is essential for various bodily functions, including the transportation of nutrients and the removal of waste products. Staying adequately hydrated ensures optimal metabolic function and supports the breakdown and utilization of fat stores.

Conclusion

When living healthy (I call it normal), it’s crucial to recognize the pivotal role that our daily agenda has on our health, vitality, mind, and body. The agenda, the way we show up, not what we think we deserve because we’ve made an effort.

Where the effort goes matters, and there is a currency (laws and principles) in exchange for the results that we want.

To live with energy, vitality, confidence, and being in good physical shape, takes input, it’s not always easy because we are humans with emotions, in a world full of other humans and circumstances that will threaten our emotions. That’s what can make it feel harder.

BUT! It IS simple.

Anchoring to that simplicity of knowing how to rest, stimulate, feed, and water our mind and body will give us those fitness goals we want, regardless of the noise around us.

Here’s the ‘secret weapon’, mindset.

It’s the mindset that governs everything.

The right mindset towards the process will make it easier, incredibly simple, and a sure thing,

 

 

References

Haskell, W. L., Lee, I. M., Pate, R. R., Powell, K. E., Blair, S. N., Franklin, B. A., … & Bauman, A. (2007). Physical activity and public health: Updated recommendation for adults from the American College of Sports Medicine and the American Heart Association. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 39(8), 1423-1434.

Mozaffarian, D., Hao, T., Rimm, E. B., Willett, W. C., & Hu, F. B. (2011). Changes in diet and lifestyle and long-term weight gain in women and men. New England Journal of Medicine, 364(25), 2392-2404.

Popkin, B. M., D’Anci, K. E., & Rosenberg, I. H. (2010). Water, hydration, and health. Nutrition Reviews, 68(8), 439-458.

Cappuccio, F. P., Cooper, D., D’Elia, L., Strazzullo, P., & Miller, M. A. (2011). Sleep duration predicts cardiovascular outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies. European Heart Journal, 32(12), 1484-1492.

Willett, W. C., Koplan, J. P., Nugent, R., Dusenbury, C., Puska, P., & Gaziano, T. A. (2006). Prevention of chronic disease by means of diet and lifestyle changes. Disease Control Priorities in Developing Countries, 2, 833-850.

Edmonds, C. J., Crombie, R., & Gardner, M. R. (2015). Subjective thirst moderates changes in speed of responding associated with water consumption. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 9, 363.