You know those people on social media or in magazines who are sexy, toned, and lean?
Yea, they’re not real.
Well, they’re real people, but that’s not what they look like every day of their lives.
They got themselves lean for this event or photoshoot. They did it on purpose.
But they don’t live like that…
And neither should you.
Here’s why:
Hormonal Health
In the short-term, losing body fat and getting lean yield many positive hormonal benefits on the body.
Long-term, it’s not all sunshine and roses…
The hormonal signals required for your body to GET and STAY that lean sends your metabolism and overall hormonal balance into overdrive.
Here are some of the hormones most impacted:
- Leptin (your satiety hormone) drops
- Insulin drops
- Testosterone drops
- Peptide YY drops (this is a hunger hormone, that when it drops causes your appetite to soar).
- Cholecystokinin (CCK) drops (affecting the digestion of fat and protein)
- Cortisol increases
- Ghrelin (your hunger hormone) increases
- Insulin Like Growth Factor decreases
- Growth Hormone decreases
Now, these may not be changes you necessarily see or feel, they are changes that affect you on a much larger scale making it incredibly hard to get and stay lean.
Digestive Health
Your body likes variety. There are so many nutrients necessary for healthy functioning that your body needs a variety of foods.
Have you EVER met someone super lean who enjoys a wide variety of food?
Look at ripped physique competitors, the joke is that they ONLY eat chicken, rice, and broccoli.
The diet it requires to get THAT shredded isn’t high on variety, which is why they don’t stay shredded like that year-round.
Not only does it get boring mentally, but it also does mentally.
Your body gets tired of taking in the same nutrients over and over again that it unfortunately can build an intolerance to food items.
Vary your foods to diversify your nutrient intake and keep your digestive tract fresh and ready to go!
Mental Health
While looking shredded may add a boost to your confidence and self-esteem, STAYING like this takes a toll on your mental health.
Living on a long-term strict and rigid diet counting every calorie and macro?
Saying “No” to some of your favorite foods?
Prioritizing training and nutrition over your social life?
Can you honestly imagine living like that for the rest of your life?
Probably not.
IT’S EXHAUSTING!
Just as you need a break physically (hormonal and digestive health), you also need a break mentally, so TAKE IT!
Want to know how to do that without completely blowing your diet and results?
Check out next week’s blog to dive into the 4 Seasons of Dieting.
About The Author
Jordan Davies is the Co-Owner of Complete Performance. Jordan has her B.S. in Exercise Science and Psychology, and her M.A. in Holistic Health Studies. She is a CSCS certified strength and conditioning coach, and a PN-1 and NCI-1 certified nutrition coach. She loves to study how the human body needs to be moved and nourished and making that fit to your unique lifestyle. Click Here Now to Apply for Coaching with Jordan.
