experiencelifemag.com

Print › | Back ›

Fueling Up

If you’re intent on losing weight, there’s one simple fact you can’t ignore, regardless of how effective your training system is: You need to burn more calories than you consume in order to shed pounds. “It’s the opposite of your checkbook,” quips Kevin Steele, PhD, vice president of research and development at Life Time Fitness. “You need to create a deficit every day to lose weight.” But calories should not be your only concern. Choosing a wide variety of whole foods — complex carbs from vegetables, fruits and whole grains; healthy fats from nuts, seeds, fish and olive oil; and high-quality sources of protein — can enhance your body’s utilization of nutrients while minimizing the toxic load many refined and processed foods put on your body. “Good, high-quality fuel is more efficient and effective at everything it does, including supporting exercise,” Steele says. “The cleaner it comes in, the more efficient the digestive process will be, and the faster it will get into the working tissue.” Eating several smaller meals throughout the day (especially breakfast), and having a snack or small meal 30 to 45 minutes postworkout, will also ensure your body receives the nutrition it needs to continue making fitness and weigh-loss strides. —SME