Despite a committed effort to a strict exercise regiment and dedication to a serious diet, people can often reach a “wall” where it seems the body can lose no more weight. If this frustrating and discouraging perceived plateau threatens to keep you from the lean and toned body you want, then it is time to take a deeper look at why your body has stored fat in the first place.
Every time the glucose level (the simple form of sugar in the blood that fuels the brain and nervous system) is too high or low, the body responds by storing fat from food and reinforcing the need to hold on to the body fat it already has. This physiological response occurs anytime we are not following proper nutrition. To avoid this, eat adequately and the body will sustain normal bodily functions to meet the demands of daily physical activity. The result should be consistently stable levels of glucose in the blood.
Furthermore, the human body is a survival organism and its primary objective is to maintain its existence. The brain and nervous system are critical to survival, so the body wants to ensure there is a reserve of fuel – glucose – for continued function. Acting as a built-in safeguard is the endocrine system, which is a series of glands that secrets hormones to regulate the body. As a part of that system, the pancreas has the primary objective of stabilizing blood glucose to always make sure that our brain and nervous system are fueled 24/7.
When the blood glucose level falls below 80 mg/dl, the pancreas over secretes the hormone glucagon to break down muscle tissue into glucose for fuel. This happens each time we don’t eat enough calories per meal or frequently enough per day. Over a period of time of repeated drops in blood sugar and subsequent loss of valuable muscle tissue, the cumulative effect traumatizes metabolism to become slower and slower. The nervous system gets imprinted with this pattern, and becomes programmed to store fat. Muscle is the engine of metabolism. It requires maintenance to build it with the proper nutrition to improve the body’s ability to convert fat for fuel and burn more calories at rest and during exercise.
Low blood sugar is also directly related to fatigue, lack of focus and concentration, irritability, hormonal imbalances, and sugar cravings. Conversely, too many calories and carbohydrates, too much sugar or too frequent ingestion causes blood glucose levels to rise above 120 mg/dl, which causes the pancreas to over secrete the insulin. This hormone goes into the blood stream to pull the excess glucose out to lower the levels to create balance, and then converts and stores those molecules as fat. If eating habits are consistently causing this spike in blood sugar, the body may eventually become insulin resistant, which is what causes type II diabetes.
Keeping blood glucose levels stable all day long, and every day for a consistent period of months and years will reverse the trauma imposed on metabolism. When balance is achieved internally, the body no longer feels the need to store and hold onto excess fat.
As a nutritionist, discovering the ideal calories per meal, and ratios of protein, carbohydrates, and fat to stabilize blood glucose is something that I’ve helped many clients with. Once they make the adjustments to their regular diet on a consistent basis as a lifestyle habit, their body soon begins to release the stored fat and they are able to maintain results permanently.
This program does require a strong level of commitment to learn and implement your appropriate portion sizes for your needs, and to prioritize eating every three to four hours. This process is straightforward and extremely effective because it is based on the physiology of the human body. Take action with the accompanying steps and you could end frustration with excess body fat, and finally get the results that you’ve wanted to see.
All the best in your fitness and health! To learn more, visit advancedathletics.com.
Adam Friedman, CSCS, CN, CMT is a kinesiologist, certified strength and conditioning specialist, certified nutritionist, and certified massage technician. He is the founder of Advanced Athletics, Inc. located next to the world famous Gold’s Gym in Venice, on the corner of Sunset Ave. and Hampton Drive, one block east of Main Street. To schedule a complimentary assessment, please call 310.396.2100 or e-mail info@advancedathletics.com
