The Metabolic Effect: A New Approach to Weight Loss
We’ve all been there. We make a commitment to exercise and eat right, but after shedding a few pounds, we still have fat that just won’t go away. Especially for women, fat can linger in stubborn places like stomach, hips, thighs and derriere. Doctors (and brothers) Jade and Keoni Teta believe they have a solution. The founders of the weight-loss company Metabolic Effect are experts in weight loss, and have just released their newest book Lose Weight Here: The Metabolic Secret to Target Stubborn Fat and Fix Your Problem Areas. Dr. Jade Teta recently spoke to Yahoo Beauty about his best weight loss secrets.
Yahoo Beauty: In your book you suggest that people eat less and work out less, or eat more and exercise more. How does that work?
Dr. Jade Teta: The major point is that the old idea of eating less and working out more is backfiring. It works for a short amount of time, but then stops. It makes stubborn fat more stubborn. Look at athletes – they eat more and exercise more. They are fuelling their bodies. Europeans tend to eat less and exercise less. They’re not into getting sweaty at the gym. When people alternate back and forth between the two approaches, it keeps the metabolism from fighting back against you by increasing hunger, lowering energy and elevating cravings.
So how should we tackle weight loss?
To lose weight, you need a calorie deficit but you need your hormones to be in balance too, because it’s all about the metabolism. Metabolism determines everything you need to know about weight loss. It’s all about how you use your body fuel and it determines whether you can sustain weight loss or not. Most people think that metabolism is a calculator but it’s more of a seesaw, and your body is trying to find its balance. Don’t fight it.
Can you spot reduce fat in stubborn areas?
You can’t exercise one part of your body to spot reduce. When fat loss happens, it happens all over but some areas burn fat more slowly such as the stomach, hips and thighs. With the right diet to ensure your metabolism is in check, you can make stubborn areas burn fat more quickly.
Do you recommend cutting out carbs or fats?
No! The main rule in the book is “you need to do what works for you.” Stop being a dieter, be a detective. Very simply, you need to listen to the biofeedback signs from your body. What foods make you feel hungry, full, affect your sleep or your libido? You need to play around with it. It’s a little harder in the beginning but easier long-term as we’re not advocating a one-size-fits-all diet.
Are there any foods to avoid?
We talk about buffer foods and trigger foods in the book. Some people can have a glass of wine and leave it at that, while for other people it leads to them drinking the whole bottle. Some people can eat two squares of chocolate and feel satisfied. You need to figure out what is your trigger, or what keeps you feeling full. It’s all about managing your HEC- Hunger, Energy, Cravings.
What are some of the best foods to help keep your HEC in check?
These are foods that are high in PWF- protein, fiber and water, such as vegetables, low sugar fruits and lean meat.
What about the foods to avoid?
Again, we only offer general guidelines as its different for everyone but they tend to be foods that are high in starch, sugar, fat and salt, such as cereals, breads and pasta. Some people are fine eating these things but most people over do it.
How did you come up with these guidelines?
Our approach comes from the latest research as well as our clinical experience working with tens of thousands of people over the past 25 years.
Related:
Harley Pasternak’s 5 Ways to Lose 5 Pounds
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