Should you cut carbs or fat to get lean? Find out below.
There are many paths a person can take to lose weight. Ultimately, one must be in a caloric deficit to actually lose weight, body fat and get lean.
However, it is widely accepted that the best approach to losing weight is not working out excessively, or doing a lot of cardio (although they both help a lot). The best and fastest approach is to change your nutrition.
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And that is when you begin searching online for the ultimate answer on how to get lean. You eventually learn more about macronutrients and different diets that promise that much-needed body fat loss.
You probably heard of the low-carb diet and its benefits, but you maybe also think it only makes sense that to lose fat you need to cut down on how much fat you eat.
So which one is it? Should you cut carbs or fat to get lean? That is what Jason Phillips explains in less than 3 minutes.
Jason Phillips is a nutritional coach who overcame anorexia to discover the power of nutrition. He has his own YouTube channel specialised in nutrition, but the information we got from him that you will see below was posted on the Mind Pump, which is part of the Mind Pump Podcast.
Should You Cut Carbs Or Fat to Get Lean?
Let’s not beat around the bush here, which one should you cut to get lean? The answer is “it depends.” Phillips says that science is quite clear on it assuming you are in a caloric deficit and are consuming adequate amounts of protein. “The ratio of carbs to fats should not matter when trying to drop body fat.”
However, before you get disheartened, Phillips says that in his 18 years of experience as a nutritional and fitness coach, there is some difference. If you’ve experienced success dropping fats to get lean, you should do that. On the other hand, if you’ve experienced success cutting back on carbs to get lean, that is the path you should be using again.
Stress also has some correlation with the ability to lose weight. If you are someone who is experiencing a lot of stress, however it may be, “you are somebody that should probably opt for slightly less fats and more carbohydrates to help you attenuate that stress response.”
If you are not living a stressful life or moment at this particular time, chances are you are not going to require as many carbohydrates.
In the end, carbs or fats is not as important as overall calories you are consuming and having enough protein in your meals.
See the video below for more information.
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Nutrition plays a critical role in achieving and maintaining fitness. Here are some of the reasons why:
- Fuel for the body: Proper nutrition provides the fuel your body needs to power through workouts and other physical activities.
- Muscle growth and repair: Adequate protein intake is essential for building and repairing muscle tissue. Consuming the right types and amounts of protein can help promote muscle growth and aid in recovery after workouts.
- Energy balance: Maintaining a healthy balance of macronutrients (carbohydrates, protein, and fat) is crucial for maintaining a healthy weight and supporting physical activity.
- Nutrient absorption: Consuming a variety of nutrient-dense foods can help ensure that your body is able to absorb and utilize the vitamins and minerals it needs to function properly.
- Overall health: A well-rounded diet that includes a variety of whole foods can help prevent chronic diseases and support overall health, which is essential for optimal fitness.
In summary, proper nutrition is essential for achieving and maintaining fitness goals, as it provides the fuel, nutrients, and energy needed to support physical activity and overall health.
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Protein is an essential nutrient that plays many important roles in the human body. Here are some of the reasons why protein is important:
- Building and repairing tissues: Protein is the building block of tissues in the body, including muscle, bone, skin, and organs. It is essential for the growth and repair of these tissues.
- Enzyme production: Many enzymes in the body are made of proteins, which are important for regulating chemical reactions in the body.
- Hormone production: Some hormones, such as insulin and growth hormone, are made of proteins.
- Immune system function: Proteins are important for the proper functioning of the immune system, which helps protect the body from infections and diseases.
- Energy source: In the absence of carbohydrates and fats, the body can use protein as an energy source.
- Satiation: Protein takes longer to digest than carbohydrates, which can help promote feelings of fullness and prevent overeating.
Overall, protein is important for maintaining and repairing tissues, producing enzymes and hormones, supporting the immune system, providing energy, and promoting satiation. It is essential to consume adequate amounts of protein as part of a well-balanced diet to support overall health and well-being.
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