Tips for Starting Your Weight Loss Journey

Your body burns fuel from foods rich in carbohydrate, protein and fat to produce the energy to grow and repair tissue after physical activities. To lose weight, restricting empty calories and balancing your macronutrients is good place to start. Since everyone has different goals for weight management, the amount of protein, fat and carbs you consume will determine whether you are building or losing muscle mass; as well as whether your body is storing or losing fat.

• PROTEIN - Protein is the building block for strong muscles and helps repair tissue. Proteins also aid in production of important hormones and enzymes. When you do not have enough carbohydrates available for energy, your body breaks down the protein in muscles to produce glycogen. If you want to lose weight, researchers recommend adding proteins to your menu plan.
• FAT - Not all fat has the same nutritional value, which is why it is important for you to prioritize your fat sources. As long as you select a healthy source of fat, you can add it to your menu plan without feeling guilty. Dietary fat serves a very important function as it provides certain micronutrients to insulate your body and provide for a burn beyond the default energy glucose used during physical activities.
• CARBOHYDRATES - Carbohydrates are the body's main source of energy and consists of sugars (natural and added), starches, and fiber. Fiber increases the volume of the food you eat but is not broken down as fuel. Complex carbs (vegetables and whole grains) provide a more sustained source of energy than simple carbs (candy, donut or soda), which are easily digested to provide a quick burst of energy.

Managing macronutrients requires you to use better judgment than simply counting calories. Bottom line is that exercise will not have the same pay-off consuming the same number of calories without allowing for proper nutrition. If you want to maximize your results, stick with a more balanced diet. If you have been searching for a diet to help you reach your weight loss goals faster, you may want to consider a personalized menu plan with the right portions of macros for your body.