This isn’t a trick answer, but the real questions isn’t how many calories do I need to burn to lose weight. A better question is, how many calories from FATS do I need to burn? Or more to the point (problem) – am I Burning more calories from Carbohydrates and Proteins, instead of FATS? Has my metabolism shifted?
In case you didn’t know it, your metabolism is designed to burn calories from the breakdown of Carbohydrates, Proteins and/or Fats. Those are the only 3 options your body has! To the best of my knowledge all the various smart watches and tech gadgets can’t determine if the calories you burned, are coming from fats, carbs or lean muscle.
The reason you burn calories is to produce energy!
It’s that simple, you can burn calories all day long, but if you are Always burning carbs and proteins (lean muscle) you are always going to struggle with weight gain, fatigue, cravings, irritability and the list goes on. Not only that, if you’re burning the wrong fuel when you workout – that could be why you can’t seem to get rid of the excess fat (flab) or cellulite you are working so hard to get rid of. And can’t seem to add any muscle and tone to your body.
The key to taking the weight off and keeping it off is in making sure your metabolism is functioning the way it was designed. When you burn fats for energy, you produce more than two-and-a-half times more energy than you do when you burn carbs and protein. This is why it is so important to make sure your metabolism is working 23/7 to Burn Fats….Not Carbs and Lean Muscle!
When your metabolism is functioning properly, not only will it help you burn off the excess fat (flab). You will also get an energy boost. This is because you’re producing two-and-a-half times more energy when you burn fats versus carbs and proteins. Why do you think weight gain and fatigue go hand-in-hand? Your burning the wrong fuel!
Keep in mind, the last thing you want to burn for energy, whether you are working out or simply working at your desk – are proteins (lean muscle)! Unfortunately, the wrong diet and/or the wrong workout program, will have you burning the wrong fuel and the reason why you can’t seem to replace the flab with some lean muscle.
Stress and Cortisol
Let’s Not forget to include stress and cortisol, and how that can shift your metabolism from burning fats to burning carbs and proteins the 23 hours of the day, you aren’t exercising.
The point is, burning more calories – doesn’t necessarily mean you are burning calories from FATS. You can burn calories till the cows come home – you need to be burning calories from the breakdown of fats if you want to get over that plateau and sticking point. If you’re not sure if your metabolism has shifted use our online health quiz to Test Your Metabolism. Check Your Metabolism.