ShareAttempting to lose body fat is challenging. Duh, you already know that or we wouldn’t be having this problem. The journey is anything but smooth sailing. Basically, it takes effort. It’s time-consuming. No fun. Too long already. Blah blah blah.
However don’t let this minor detail steal your energy, it’s only half the issue. Admit and accept it – then just get on with it. C’mon, do you really want to lose fat or not?
I see people (uh hem, bodybuilders) at the gym who consider fat loss a full time job. But hang on a sec, don’t you already have one of those? Plus a family, a child, crazy in-laws, grandparents to visit, and most importantly a cute puppy that needs walking? By the way, I’ll come and walk your puppy if you need help. Where on earth can you find another 50 hours a week to devote to getting those freakin’ 20lbs off that have forced you to buy a new wardrobe? (I consider this is the world’s worst kind of shopping ever, oh besides grocery shopping.)
Let me remind you, this is not the real concern.
What’s the biggest problem with fat loss?
Homeostasis.
For those confused by this science term, this is defined as “the property of a system that regulates its internal environment and tends to maintain a stable, relatively constant condition.” Yeah, really simple to understand right? 
Your body loves to maintain a state of equilibrium. It hates change. It loves efficiency, not like the MTA. So your body works to keep you in the comfort zone.
Listen, your body is working against you. Yes that’s right, every move you make your body works “in opposite direction” to try to maintain homeostasis.
WTF??! I know, it’s not cool.
But I can help you understand it…Here’s an example of how homeostasis works in your body:
(i) Drink more water – your body will excrete more water to maintain balance.
(ii) Drink less water in the short-term – your body will respond by retaining more water.
(ii) When you workout, muscle tissue is broken down – your trusty body responds by building new muscle.
(iv) If you take a supplemental hormone – the body shuts down production of its own to maintain homeostasis.
Homeostasis in Life
Remember when you skipped breakfast last week and your stomach was really mad with you? It was expecting the regular eggs on a bagel. No delivery. Your body didn’t know you had an early meeting and would be too busy to eat. So it responded by thinking the world was ending, as there was no indication when it would be fed again. Your body shifted gears slightly, slowing down and clinging on to a few extra calories just in case there really was a tornado in NYC. This however, was not long enough for your body to go into “starvation mode” (it takes longer than 3 hours to kick in, give it 3 days).
Homeostasis and Fat Loss
In relation to exercise, low intensity cardio burns fat primarily. Awesome if you have 3 years to reach your goal. Before you jump on the elliptical for another hour, hold up for a minute.
Higher intensity exercise burns more carbs than fats. So why do so many studies show higher intensity exercise burns more FAT than low intensity aerobics?
Proven scientific studies show high intensity exercise burns a lesser percentage of fat stores during the session. However, burning carbs (glycogen) as a fuel during exercise will result in burning more fat after you workout, due to excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC).
So in terms of homeostasis, when you deplete your carb stores and use glycogen as fuel during high intensity exercise, your body responds by using the fat stores as a fuel to keep your body functioning post exercise. Plus, there is serious metabolic disturbance. Embrace that nauseous feeling. It’s a cool sign you’re burning fat. You just kicked butt.
Bottom line - high intensity exercise is proven more effective for fat loss. Just do it.
So here’s the deal: you need to constantly change it up to successfully lose fat. Achieving your end goal requires change to challenge the control system of homeostasis.
But what precisely do you need to switch? Good question.
It could be your training, nutrition, hormonal or a combination. Self-experimentation is the perfect testing platform.
Over a series of posts, I’ll be exploring the best fat loss exercises and nutrition tricks that you need to accelerate results.
Remember, it’s you against the world in this fat loss battle. Oh and now you’ve got me, the cool kid, in your corner. Get the latest tips and blog posts delivered first to your inbox. Make sure you subscribe today by filling the form below.
Keep dodging temptations,
KV 
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