Women and weightloss [Forum Archive]

Quote:

Originally posted by askjoe
Females need to approach fat loss a bit differently than men. The female species naturally caries with it more body fat due to evolutionary circumstances. Female body chemistry is different along with the way body fat is carried. It is these factors which create a need for an altered approach for fat loss.

This article hasn't explained why females need to approach fat loss differently than men?

The key factors to a successful weight loss program still remain the same – diet, training, and supplementation.

Women in general need a program that is going to suit their needs in the most beneficial manor as possible. Many women follow high carbohydrate diets and nothing else. They eat little protein and keep their fat levels low. While this a good approach for healthy living it is not a great approach for fat loss. Women need to understand the fact that there’s a difference between a healthy diet and one that is conducive to weight loss.

The best type of diet for fat loss is one that includes 5-6 small meals daily that consist of high protein, low carb, and low fat foods. Women should never fully cut carbohydrate from their diet.

Why's that exactly?

Carbs contain certain vitamins and minerals that are difficult to get without being present in the diet.

It's why we eat vegetables....unless you were including veggies as a carb source?

Secondly, carbs are needed for proper functioning of the body – they should never be total eliminated, just consumed in moderation.

In what sense?

Another issue with women’s diets is the absence of lean protein. Women tend to avoid foods such as chicken, meat, fish etc. This isn’t good for fat loss or proper health. Ample amounts of protein will help speed up the metabolism, increase muscle mass, and improve immune system functioning. A diet that is both healthy and conducive to fat loss is high in protein – as a woman you should never avoid this essential macronutrient.

Women also need to train differently for weight loss. Unless they want to turn into Arnold Schwarzennegger I suggest women incorporate a light lifting routine that’s much like a circuit training program.

So here it says to lift w/ "light w8's" or they'll look like Arnold, yet below (in red) it says women don't have the hormones to get big like Arnold....so which is it?

This will create long lean muscle that’s tone and hard. Weight training should defanently be included because of its profound effects on metabolism.

What exactly is "tone" ....I understand how to build a muscle (hypertrophy), I understand how to "lower bodyfat"....I'm just not sure how to "tone" a muscle?

Most women tend to avoid weight training like the plague out of fear of being big and bulky. This is a common misconception. Weight training will not build any significant amount of muscle for women – they simply don’t have the hormones to do so. Especially if you’re lifting light – firming and toning is about all that will happen. Women need to understand that weight training is far more effective for losing body fat than cardiovascular training alone. Keep the weights light, keep your reps high, and you should see some really good results.

If w8 training is more effective for fat burning than cardio alone, and women don't possess the hormones needed to get "big and bulky", why suggest that they lift light w8's? Why not suggest they lift heavy enough to actually build muscle, which would actually increase they're metabolism, which would burn more calories?

The best supplements for weightloss include Xenadrine RFA-1, Stacker 2, and Hydroxycut. Protein powder and l-glutamine shouldn’t be overlooked as well. All are good supplements for women to include into their diet and training schedule. They’ll increase your metabolism, induce fat loss, and give you energy like never before. Supplements are a great way for women to enhance their fat loss results – they should never be overlooked.

I would bet that a proper diet would take someone, male or female, further than any fat burner!

With both women and men the key to successful weightloss is the continuous application of basic principles that will yield the greatest results possible. Women should understand that their needs are specific – never do a routine that’s generic and doesn’t take into account your needs. When you find a routine that works for you stick with it – everyone reacts differently to different stimuli. Often effective fat loss routines are found through trial and error, find what works and continue you with it until you reach your goals.