I’m hovering about 11 and 14 pounds over last season’s stage weights (Oct/Nov 2016). Staying stage lean is a look I do love, but it is also not something I want to stay at. My calories get low, my cardio gets high and I’m lower energy. I can get there, but we always have to have an “exit strategy” out of it. Staying there long term would wreak havoc on my hormones in time. Mess up my hormones and I can’t function! #beenthere
In a caloric deficit, also known as a diet, the metabolism down regulates to adjust to the lower food input. If a body stays there for too long, and sometimes people are in diet mode for YEARS, the system will go into starvation mode and many times raised cortisol and belly fat is an issue.
Why? It simply doesn’t know when it will be fed *enough* again, so the protective mechanisms come out. Our bodies are smart. Our minds are the issue!
I do love that although I’m up on the scale, my clothes all fit fine, my body fat is in check, and my core still has good definition. I quit doing abs two years back, so consistent #training and real-food nutrition are doing their job! .
Given I’m up on the scale, I can maintain this weight (134-137) and look on about 1800 calories a day. I sleep like a rock, my energy is good, and I have mental clarity. All good things when you’re trying to be a wife, Mom, and Coach!
Please consider your body a machine. It has purpose to serve others and your goal is to fuel it to optimal. There are seasons we can be intentional to lean out or build. I now flex 10-12 pounds in a year and add weight in the winter and cut for the summer and set my shows around that.
If you are always wishing for your lightest and leannest state, you’re likely missing out on so many other key factors for true wellness. This is my everyday me. I’m honored for the big job of taking care of her!
-To your wellness,
Mindy
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