When it comes to weight loss, we need to be in a calorie deficit. You may be thinking “well that seems easy enough”. You’re not wrong- a calorie deficit SEEMS easy enough. But if that were the case, then why do so many women struggle with losing weight and ensuring their weight loss results last?
Let’s discuss! 💃
What exactly is a calorie deficit anyway? It’s when the calories you consume are less than the calories you burn each day from simply existing and also moving. Lucky for us, there are a million ways to achieve a calorie deficit. And it’s true that the majority of people who go on crazy fad diets do lose weight…because they’re in a calorie deficit.
But losing weight initially doesn’t automatically mean you will maintain that weight loss. Eventually you have to stop dieting to be at weight maintenance. In fact, I bet if I were to do a poll asking women whether it’s harder to LOSE the weight or MAINTAIN the weight loss, my money is on the latter.
So if we know that a calorie deficit is how we lose the weight, what do we need to do to ensure our weight loss results last?
There isn’t only 1 correct answer to that question. But I have coached hundreds of women and I believe that incorporating your favorite foods into your calorie deficit will ensure you build habits that KEEP the weight off.
Why?
Because it’s a whole heck of a lot easier to stay consistent when you love the food you’re eating!
If you’re looking to lose weight while eating your favorite foods (and I’m sure you are because who wouldn’t want to do that?) here are some of my top tips!
➡️Prioritize what you truly LOVE and be intentional about having it instead of mindlessly having the foods you only kinda like!
Here’s an example! Let’s say you’re at work and your boss has pizza brought in for everyone for lunch. By the time you are able to take your lunch (and remember, busy gals DO take lunch breaks to fuel up 💪) the pizza is cold and it wasn’t really your favorite kind of pizza anyway. So you eat the lunch you packed for the day that’s full of yummy protein and fiber 😉 and instead you plan to order a pizza from your favorite local pizza shop over the weekend, and leave behind the mediocre pizza at work that’s sure to leave you disappointed anyway!
➡️Get what you want, but make sure you get what you need!
Typically fun foods alone won’t fill us up and give us the nutrients we need. Make sure you’re eating enough and eating balanced meals to satisfy hunger all day everyday!
Let’s take the same pizza example and apply it here. We all love a good pepperoni pizza, but what could you add to your favorite pizza to make it a more balanced meal? More protein and veggies, or add a side salad!
➡️Are you a quantity or quality type of person?
Are you fine with less frequent treats if they’re the real deal? Or are you into lower-calorie or pre-portioned options to have your favorite foods more frequently? Knowing this will help you find the right strategy to fit them in!
Remember, the important thing is removing the guilt so you’re finding what works for you LONG-TERM. In the Busy Gal Nutrition coaching program, we love to figure these things out with you so you’re successful for life!
