How does weight loss work?

Weight loss works based on “calories in, calories out”, i.e., you need to be burning more calories than you take in through your daily food intake. The key to managing your weight successfully is in ensuring that the calories that you consume do not exceed the calories that you use. There are also other factors to consider such as your age, body type and metabolism, on top of lifestyle factors such as your daily habits that all come into play into weight gain or loss.

What is the best weight loss treatment?

There are plenty of weight loss treatments available, but TCM slimming is one of the safest and best ways to lose weight. Our Divine Slim TM weight loss program encourages steady weight loss for effective and sustainable weight management. As compared to fad diets (diets that eliminate 1 or more food groups) that leave you feeling hungry and lethargic, or having to rely on machines to see results, our methods are backed by sound TCM principles that focus on facilitating your weight loss goals as well as cater to your overall health needs.

How does TCM help me lose weight?

Following the perspective that excessive weight gain is a symptom of a greater underlying health problem that needs to be addressed, TCM believes that excessive weight gain is due to a Qi deficiency in the spleen, resulting in a slow metabolism, water retention and weight gain. Using Guasha, a form of treatment used in the practice of TCM, special apparatus is used to attain preventive or therapeutic slimming effects. Not only does the treatment regulate blood circulation and detoxify the body, but it also improves your metabolism and digestion for slimming effects. No need for painful surgery, unnecessary machines or intensive diets!

Why should I choose TCM slimming over other weight loss methods?

TCM slimming focuses on returning your body to a balanced, healthy state – so, you can look forward to not only looking good but also feeling good about yourself! Although our weight loss program will help you achieve results, it is important to stay committed to investing in your overall health by paying close attention to your diet and exercise, both during the treatment and post-treatment. Our weight loss treatments are conducted by trained staff that does most of the work for you, so you can look forward to a relaxing treatment.

Who can benefit from TCM slimming treatment?

Both men and women are suitable for our signature Divine Slim TM program.

Calorie Control Simplified: Managing In vs Out Dynamics

February 29, 2024

Blog

When you’re aiming for a healthier lifestyle, one of the fundamental principles that often takes centre stage is calorie control. The concept is simple: manage the balance between the calories you consume and the calories you burn. But with all the trendy diets and conflicting tips out there, it’s easy to become overwhelmed and forget the basics. So, let’s break it down: let’s talk about why calorie control matters, how to handle the calories you take in versus the ones you burn, and how getting a grip on this balance can simplify your journey towards better health and fitness.

Understanding Calories: The Basics

Before diving into the dynamics of calorie control, it’s essential to grasp the basics of what a calorie actually is. In simple terms, a calorie is a unit of energy. When we talk about calories in the context of food, we’re referring to the energy content of that food—the amount of energy it provides when consumed.

Every individual requires a certain number of calories each day to maintain their current weight and support bodily functions. This is known as the basal metabolic rate (BMR)—the number of calories your body needs to sustain basic physiological functions such as breathing, circulation, and cell production.

Calories In: The Fuel You Consume

The “calories in” side of the equation represents the energy you obtain from the food and beverages you consume. This energy is derived from the three macronutrients present in food:

Carbohydrates: 4 calories per gram
Proteins: 4 calories per gram
Fats: 9 calories per gram

It’s worth noting that alcohol, while containing 7 calories per gram, isn’t categorised as a macronutrient as it doesn’t provide essential nutrients.

Quality vs Quantity: When it comes to managing calories, it’s important to consider both the quantity and quality of the foods you consume. Opting for nutrient-dense, whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains not only helps control calorie intake but also ensures you’re providing your body with essential vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients it needs to function optimally.

Calories Out: The Energy You Burn

On the other side of the equation is “calories out”—the energy your body expends through various activities and bodily functions. The calories you burn can be broken down into several components:

1. Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR): Basal Metabolic Rate, or BMR, refers to the energy your body requires to sustain vital functions such as breathing, circulation, and temperature regulation while at rest. Essentially, it’s the energy needed to keep your body functioning when you’re not engaged in physical activity or digesting food. Various factors such as age, gender, body composition, and genetics play a role in influencing BMR.

2. Physical Activity: Physical activity includes both planned exercises and everyday movements. This covers activities like running, swimming, lifting weights, practising yoga, or any intentional workout plan. It also includes non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT), which refers to the calories burned through daily movements like walking, using stairs, standing, fidgeting, cleaning, or doing household chores. While NEAT might seem minor, it can add up significantly, especially for people who are generally active.

3. Thermic Effect of Food (TEF): The Thermic Effect of Food (TEF) is essentially the energy your body uses to digest, absorb, and process the nutrients from the food you consume. When you eat, your body has to work to break down the different types of macronutrients like carbs, proteins, and fats. It can either use these nutrients immediately for energy or store them for later. Each macronutrient requires a different amount of energy for digestion and metabolism. Typically, proteins take the most energy to digest, followed by carbs and then fats. This means your body burns more energy digesting proteins compared to carbs and fats.

Finding Balance: Managing Calories In vs Out

Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight boils down to achieving a balance between calories in and calories out. Here are some practical tips to help you manage this balance effectively:

1. Track Your Intake: Keeping a food diary or using a calorie-counting app can help you become more mindful of your eating habits and ensure you’re not consuming more calories than your body needs.

2. Move More: Find ways to incorporate more physical activity into your daily routine, whether it’s through structured exercise sessions or simply climbing the stairs instead of taking the elevator.

3. Focus on Whole Foods: Prioritise nutrient-dense, whole foods over processed options, as they not only help control calorie intake but also support overall health and well-being.

4. Practice Mindful Eating: Pay attention to hunger and fullness cues, eat slowly, and savour your food to avoid overeating.

5. Seek Professional Guidance: If you’re struggling to manage your weight or have specific health concerns, consider consulting with a registered dietitian or healthcare professional who can provide personalised guidance and support.

Conclusion

Keeping tabs on your calories doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s all about finding the right balance between calories in and calories out. With some simple tweaks to your eating and activity routines, you can reach your health and fitness targets in a totally doable way. And remember, it’s not about perfection but rather making progress toward feeling better and living healthier!

Move forward in your journey to better health with Slim Couture, widely recognised for providing one of the best weight loss programs in Singapore. Our approach goes beyond mere shortcuts, prioritising sustainable outcomes through tailored guidance and established techniques such as TCM weight loss approaches, guasha, and in-house specialised suction tools. Reach out to us today for a consultation and begin a transformative journey toward achieving your wellness goals!