Is it really only about calories?
In my most recent Youtube video, I included this chart about how various diets work for weight loss. I knew this would generate some discussion in my comments, if not an eye roll or two, from a viewer somewhere in the world.
And I understand why.
Saying that weight loss boils down to creating a caloric deficit, massively oversimplifies the experience of losing weight.
However, it is still true.
Weight loss is achieved by consuming less calories than you burn, that is a fact and every diet (where the goal is weightloss) is about helping you find ways of creating a caloric deficit. Now you might find a diet that works better or worse for you, because it makes keeping a caloric deficit easier. Or the diet works better for your body, your mindset, your time, or on your wallet.
Regardless, in order to lose weight you must consume fewer calories than you expend.
Maybe intermittent fasting makes it easier for you to do that? Maybe you get better sleep, wake up more energized and feel fuller for longer while doing keto, and all of this help you to keep a calorie deficit!
The key is always to eat less and move more, but you want to find an easy way to do those things, so it fits your lifestyle and you’re more likely to keep up with it. There is no magic pill, or magic foods for weight loss (even Ozempic only helps to suppress your appetite, so you eat less and ta-da are now eating in a caloric deficit).
It is important to note that not all diets focus solely on weight loss, and that although every diet for weight loss is about helping you create a caloric deficit. They will also have other benefits and effects (negative & positive).
Different diets can impact a multitude of variables like:
Hormone regulation
Cravings
Muscle preservation
Cognitive function
Metabolic efficiency
Fatigue
So although all calories are the same as a unit to measure energy content, not all sources of calories are the same as far as how your body responds to them. Where you get your calories from matters. Some calories will be digested differently, some will make you want to eat more, some will be more nutritious and will impact your body, and how you feel differently. So focus on finding foods, and a diet that work best for your body, your lifestyle and that make hitting your goals easier.
Take care fitness family,
Lastly, I’d like to leave you with one of my favorite influencers in the health & fitness space. He always provides insightful and knowledgeable content, and commonly speaks on topics such as this. (Click the highlighted text above to view his content)
