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mmeals10 · 24 days

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Calorie counting is a waste of time

Being a full time semi-pro MMA athlete staying lean year round is critical to my success.

One quick phone call and I can be heading out of my city to fight in my weight division which is featherweight (145lbs or 65.8kgs) which means I have to be around 7-8% body fat but still have the energy to compete.

Staying around the goldilocks zone of 10% body fat is important for me & through the years I've had to slowly develop a full year methodology when it comes to diet & training to staying in this goldilocks zone. It's also important because I feel in control of my health, all vitals are in good ranges, I look good and probably more importantly I feel good about myself.

When competition comes around I can tell you I'm eating around 500kcals a day. I look absolutely amazing but feel absolutely terrible.

Now I'm not telling you that you have to starve yourself to be in great shape - in fact I want to tell you the complete opposite.

The title of my blog post is that calorie counting is a waste of time yet here I am stating what kcals I'm on to reach my desired look & weight but there's a catch you see.

Everytime I step on the scale at 5-6-7% body fat I can tell you the next few weeks are going to be a whirlwind of yo-yoing effects on mood, energy levels and the dreaded cravings.

It always ends with me yo-yoing to 12-15% body fat in a couple of weeks and feeling ashamed of myself for letting it slide so bad. I've come to realized it's quite natural for our body to seek out comfort/energy dense food because it's survival man !

Why I'm sharing this is because I see so many enthuastic people who want to claim back their health and fitness fall into the trap of calorie counting which will ultimately end in failed attempts, yo-yoing effects and the dreaded SHAME.

Never fear, I have a solution. Eat more...

Say what ?

Yes eat more FOOD - nutrient dense, preferably whole, unrefined FOOD.

Once you start swopping things like pastries, pies, pizzas, burgers and toasted sandwiches for things like broccoli, quinoa, legumes, lean proteins, nuts, fruits & veggies you'll start to realize you get fuller quicker. You eating until you get full but you losing weight... The cravings aren't so bad.. You have energy and you've been happier more often..What's going on?

You giving your body exactly what it needs to create energy without the additional flour & sugar. None of the empty calories and your body is liking it.

Soon you'll be managing your portions better and even more changes. Now you getting more compliments. You getting stronger in the gym.

MAGIC !!

No - it's science... and a bit of common sense staring you in the face the whole time no need to count calories and restrictive diets. Keto what ? Vegan brownies - no thanks. Low fat - yeah obviously I want to lose fat (uhm not quiet) Low carb for who ? Turns out some actually.

If you are serious, taking all the right steps but still frustrated with your lack of progress consider taking a DNA test @mindbodyevolve.co.za

But who has time to think of, cook and wash up for healthy meals ? You mean I have to actually prepare those 101 healthy recipes, healthy lunches that I've stored up for years?

That's a valid point and the reason you should consider ready prepared meals that are nutritious & delicious. Like the meals that are prepared and delivered by @merakimeals.com.

Nutrition is a vital point & if you have the right training to boot then you'll see your results and life just bloom. If you haven't found the right training for you then consider @fightsportscentre.co.za

Long story short - eat food & train hard. Who would of thought ?

#dinner #nutrition #recipes #low carb #keto diet #keto #calorie deficit diet #weight loss #i wanna lose weight #healthy recipes #healthyliving #healthy recipe ideas #vegan

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