Like most people trying to lose weight, you’ve probably asked yourself: what’s the real difference between weight loss and fat loss? Can I target just my fat while still being able to enjoy all of the foods that I love?
We’ve all been there – telling ourselves that this will be the fat burning pills, shake diet plan or workout routine that finally helps us reach our fitness and health goals.
We need to understand something important before jumping on board with any of these things, though; what is weight loss, and what is fat loss? It sounds similar when talking about it casually, but boy, are they different!
Not only do they have different definitions, but understanding these key differences is essential in your journey toward achieving your goals. Let’s get started!
Which Plan is Better, Weight Loss or Fat Loss?
Forget quickie weight loss programs – if you want to be healthy, focus on fat loss instead of just weight loss. If you’re trying to shed some pounds in an unhealthy manner, it’s likely a result of muscle and water loss rather than actual fat burning.
Not only are you permanently damaging your body’s natural balance, but muscle is essential for regulating all sorts of health indicators like cholesterol and triglycerides that improve with increased muscle.
Maintaining your muscle mass can have many benefits – not only does it reduce your risk of age-related muscle loss, which can lead to frailty or disability, but it also helps you burn more calories at rest.
Yes, ladies, men usually need more calories – they have more muscle. And if you lose weight through muscle loss instead of fat, it’ll be easier to put the fat back on.
How to Lose Fat Without Losing Muscle
Losing fat and packing on muscle sounds like it should be a losing battle, but if you follow the right strategy, it’s doable!
All it takes is packing your diet with plenty of lean protein, getting to the gym consistently, and eating a balanced diet that puts you in a slight calorie deficit. By following these steps, you’ll quickly have your desired toned physique.
Eat Plenty of Protein
Eating more protein isn’t just about adding bulk – although it can certainly help with that. Let’s face it; our bodies need protein to work properly. The daily dietary allowance for protein is 0.8 grams of body weight, which must be fulfilled.
It helps us produce enzymes, regulate fluid balance, and maintain a healthy immune system. Not to mention preserving muscle when dropping the pounds and supporting new muscle growth if you’re doing some strength training. Whatever your workout goals, ensure you’re getting your proteins in to keep your body functioning at its best!
Exercise
Exercise is the key to fat loss and maintaining your muscles – don’t just take it from me. Studies found that older adults who exercised 3 times a week combined with a calorie-restricted diet retained more muscle than those who didn’t exercise.
And while exercise alone is a great way to maintain muscle mass, adding a higher protein intake may help you get the most bang for your buck.
It is significant for adults to get at least medium-level exercise from cardio and muscle-strengthening activities for just 150-300 minutes per week.
Cut Your Cals a Little Bit, But Not Too Much
Cutting calories is a great way to start shredding that extra layer of body fat, but there is a catch: when it comes to weight loss, too much of a good thing can be harmful. If you go overboard with chopping back on your calorie intake, you’re more likely to lose muscle rather than fat.
The key is to moderately reduce your calorie consumption by no more than 600 daily— and still enjoy food. To make this easier, focus on eating lots of fruits and veggies, healthy proteins like lean meats, complex carbs like whole grains, and low-fat dairy products, and keep an eye out for sugar-sweetened things and fried foods.
Fat Burning Pills
With the combination of specially designed fat burners and an appropriate diet plan, you can shed those extra pounds and keep your muscles in tip-top shape. Think of fat-burning pills as a convenient shortcut to achieving that beach body you’ve dreamed of! Best of all, you don’t have to lift a finger or break a sweat – just pop one pill with your meals daily and let it do the job.
Takeaway
Weight and fat loss can be significant when removing cellulite sagging around your body. Losing weight can harm you by losing your body’s healthy muscles, water, and balance. It is convenient to opt for fat loss for a healthy body and not lose muscle that helps the body in its primary functions.
To lose fat without losing muscle, you can count on factors like eating plenty of protein, exercising, and cutting calories. These factors can help you come into the ideal shape you want and in a healthy way. So, don’t fall into the traps of unhealthy life and choose the convenient way with all the healthy ingredients.