Saturday Straight Talk: METABOLIC SHUTDOWN

There’s a topic that’s not readily discussed in the fitness industry; yet if affects men, women and children of all ages who attempt body fat reduction.  That topic is  METABOLIC SHUTDOWN.

WHAT IS METABOLIC SHUTDOWN?

Metabolic shutdown is like a stalled engine on a car.  You put the fuel in and turn the key-but it won't start.  It may make some noise, but it never "turns over" and the car doesn't move.

Metabolic shutdown occurs when you don’t honor the nutritional requirements of your body.  Whether it’s following a very low calorie diet (VLCD) for a prolonged period of time, (either as an intentional diet strategy or habitually not eating more than once/day), or merely not consuming the amount and/or quality of food your body needs, the results of metabolic shutdown are experienced physically and psychologically.

 Low energy, weight gain (especially around the midsection), apathy, brittle nails, hair loss, depression...these are some of the more common symptoms we see with metabolic shutdown.   

More times than not, metabolic shutdown occurs through radical dieting and attempts to cut body fat quickly. 

HERE'S WHAT WE KNOW:

THE PRINCIPLE OF BODY FAT LOSS IS SIMPLE 

Fat loss occurs when energy demands on the body are greater than the energy (food calories) we put in it.  When moving through the journey of fat loss, it is common practice to decrease one’s food (caloric) intake, and begin or increase cardiovascular exercise (cardio). 

PEOPLE SEEKING COACHING FOR FAT LOSS ARE PREDICTABLE

From a Coach’s perspective, there’s a very predictable pattern of behavior that we see: 

·         Client experiences a plateaus and/or weight gain despite a rigid and calorically-restricted diet and a good amount of cardio.

·         Client searches for a trainer or Coach who will create immediate and dynamic changes with the physique, despite warning signs of metabolic shutdown (i.e. decreased energy, cessation of fat loss, stringy/skinny looking muscles, abdominal bloating, even weight gain to name a few)

·         Client presents themselves to the Coach, and informs him/her that the goal is to “lose weight” and “tone up” to look more “fit.”

 STRAIGHT TALK FROM YOUR COACH:  We Always Talk About Qualifying Your Client; But Are YOU The Qualified Coach?

COACH'S CHALLENGE:  Ask Yourself:  Am I able to look over a Client's current nutrition and exercise plan, and know:

·         An environment of persistent caloric deprivation is not conducive to muscular development, or to their overall wellness

·         There’s nowhere to go with their meal plan or exercise:  calories have already been cut, cardio has already been initiated

·         This plan is virtually incompatible with life (a normal one, anyway) 

·         Their body has shifted into survival mode, and any additional food they put into it will be stored—as fat. 

·         If the Client has been a “yo-yo dieter”

·         When there are deeper issues surrounding self-esteem, self-worth and disordered eating to contend with

·         If they continue along this pathway, they won’t be making the gainz they  are after; which is self-defeating.  Training becomes a chore and they lose their joy. 

HERE’S THE DILEMMA: 

·         If we don’t increase the calories, the Client  be frustrated with the lack of strength and energy during their workouts, and disappointed that any gainz they make (if any) are s-l-o-o-o-w-w.

·         When we do increase the calories, weight gain can be expected.  However, the Client will be energized by the strength they have during their workouts, and your muscular gains will be quickly realized.

SO WHAT DO WE DO?  

SET THE BAR AND STAY IN THEIR FACE THROUGHOUT THE REVERSAL AND REBUILDING PROCESS THROUGH CLEARLY DEFINED GOALS, AND PROPERLY MANAGED EXPECTATIONS

HELP THEM UNDERSTAND A FEW THINGS UP FRONT:

·         Reversing metabolic shutdown is a process of retraining the body how to digest and metabolize food. 

·         You cannot “diet” through the process. 

·         The frustrating part is that it takes time. 

 BE THE CHANGE YOU WISH TO SEE:  PATIENT, POSITIVE, UPBEAT AND KIND

·         Outline the challenges ahead

·         Walk with them (not pulling or dragging them-kicking and screaming)  through the process of metabolic shutdown reversal, and encourage their  seeking additional resources as indicated

Hustle while they party.  Grind while they sleep.  Results require no explanation. Put your nose to the grindstone and get $#!+ done.

Make It A Powerful Week! Catch You On Our Next Call!