The Great Debate: Calories + workouts, and what they really mean

If you’re anything like me, you probably have heard a time or two-or a thousand-about how the fundamentals of losing weight are all about calories out vs. calories in. And if you’re new to this whole new lifestyle revolving around health and fitness (hey, you gotta start somewhere) then this is (seemingly) likely the most overwhelming tidbit of information you’ve received thus far in your life. Yes, the principle of it is simple. Calories out should be more than the calories you’re intaking, thus lies your progress towards a goal. But when you add in factors of life such as, oh…a badass workout…what do you do then?

Sure, the answer to many is simple. You, in a way, have allowed yourself more calories for the day, based off what you have burned off. But…this is a huge gray area that leaves so much space to overthink and grant yourself an unhealthy mindset and relationship with food. But basically…if your goal is to lose weight, then you should have some (healthy) caloric number based on your height, body weight, etc. If you work out and burn 500 calories, not refueling your body the adequate amount could stall your weight loss, and provides the possibility of losing muscle instead of fat. I’m sure there are many articles around the internet that go into further detail about fat and/or muscle loss, and if you’re interested in the differences between the two and how to prevent muscle loss, I suggest hittin’ up my good friend google and looking for some in-depth articles about it.

For me, this topic has been very confusing as of lately, and my mental clarity with health and fitness has been fogged with concern of lack of progress. I felt that if I researched it enough, and laid my concerns and knowledge and prior struggle with this matter for others to see, I could create some common ground of understanding and peace to stand on.

And, listen, if you’re reading this and you don’t know a place to start, or how to make a change towards a healthier you…you’ve come to the right place. I was there once, many people start in that same place. If this applies to you, feel free to comment or message me for support or a resource to reach out to and discuss your struggles or concerns. I hardly had anyone to turn to when I was beginning this journey because I was afraid of being looked at differently or like “poor little taylor” because lets be real…who wants that?

So…happy hump day to you all! I hope you get through this day with a smile on your face and a sense of gratitude in your heart.