Calorie Deficit To Lose Weight: How To Do It Effectively?
If you have been into fitness nowadays, then you have probably already heard of the term “calorie deficit.” It has been quite a buzzword in the fitness world today, frequently discussed by both experts and mere enthusiasts alike. A calorie deficit occurs when an individual consumes fewer calories than their body requires to maintain its current weight, thereby causing the body to use stored fat for energy. This concept is undoubtedly no stranger to anyone undergoing a weight loss treatment in Singapore.
With the rise of social media and fitness influencers today, the importance of understanding and achieving a calorie deficit has gained even more widespread attention, making it a crucial topic in contemporary health and wellness discussions. If you are eager to learn more about what a calorie deficit signifies and how effective it is for weight loss, this article is for you! Read on as this article delves deeper into the idea behind and the effectiveness of a calorie deficit for losing weight.
What is a Calorie Deficit?
A calorie deficit takes place when the number of calories you consume every day is smaller than the number of calories you burn. The human body basically needs to burn a specific number of calories to carry out all its daily functions. However, the number of calories you need on a day-to-day basis varies based on several factors, such as your age, gender, height, weight, body composition, and physical activity levels. In essence, you can create a calorie deficit by lessening the number of calories you eat every day, increasing your activity levels, or both.
Is a Calorie Deficit Effective for Weight Loss?
The short answer to this question is yes. Research suggests that a 500-calorie deficit can effectively support weight loss. However, this figure is not universal and depends on a variety of factors unique to each individual. A calorie deficit is crucial for weight loss, but it’s important to note that progress may not always be linear. Several factors, such as water retention, hormonal fluctuations, and changes in fat storage, can temporarily prevent weight loss on the scale. That said, this does not imply that your body composition isn’t improving.
If you are planning to create a calorie deficit as part of your weight loss regimen, it is important to keep in mind that there are several risks that come with consuming too few calories. As much as possible, you should avoid cutting excessive numbers of calories because doing so – while not getting adequate necessary nutrients – can lead to some health problems, such as:
- Depriving the brain of essential energy
- Reducing metabolism
- Increasing the risk of having gallstones
- Not getting adequate nutrients, which can interfere with maintaining or gaining bone mass
Cutting out around 500 calories every day is a good range to aim for. Generally, people should not lose more than one kilogram or 2 pounds each week to avoid the health risks mentioned above. Moreover, before deciding to cut calories, you should talk with your nutritionist or doctor, as some people with specific health conditions like diabetes may require specialised diets to help manage their condition. To determine whether you are not consuming adequate calories, here are some symptoms you should look out for:
- Being unable to lose weight
- Getting sick often
- Having difficulty sleeping
- Experiencing negative changes in behaviour or mood
- Experiencing constipation
How to Start a Calorie Deficit?
If you have finally decided that cutting calories is a necessary addition to your weight loss journey, and you already know how many calories you need every day or week, the next thing you should do is work on creating a calorie deficit. Usually, a calorie deficit has two components: diet and exercise.
- Diet: One essential component of creating an effective calorie deficit is changing what you eat and drink every day. You need to focus on foods that are low in calories but rich in nutrients. For instance, high-protein, low-calorie foods are generally recommended to boost a person’s slimming journey. According to experts, a healthy eating pattern with fewer calories must include whole grains, whole vegetables, whole fruits, low-fat or fat-free dairy, lean proteins, and healthy oils like canola or olive. As much as possible, you should avoid consuming trans fats and sugary drinks.
- Exercise: Another vital component of a weight loss programme that incorporates a calorie deficit is exercise. If you are an inactive person, you must try to increase your day-to-day activity levels as much as you can. Specifically, according to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), you need to have at least two sessions of strength training and around 150 minutes of moderate activity each week to maintain a moderate week. Basically, the more physically active you are, the more calories you will burn. This increases the number of calories you require, making it easier for you to create a deficit.
Conclusion
There is no doubt that a calorie deficit is an essential component of an effective weight loss treatment, as it directly influences the ability of the body to burn stored fat for energy. By consistently consuming fewer calories than your body requires for maintenance, you can ultimately achieve sustainable weight loss. Basically, this approach – when combined with a balanced diet and regular physical activity – forms the foundation of a successful weight management plan that not only helps you lose weight but also improves your overall health.
To further help you achieve your desired weight, consider incorporating Slim Couture’s TCM weight loss program into your weight management routine. Our programs are proven to be safe and effective and are trusted by numerous individuals who want to achieve their fitness goals in the most natural and sustainable way. Feel free to get in touch with us anytime to find out more about how our TCM slimming methods can help you speed up your fitness journey.