Exercise is an important component for weight loss and for maintaining a healthy weight. However, if you are really planning to lose weight, there is a limited amount that you can do. Too much exercise may cause excessive stress and strain, and too large of a caloric deficit interferes with normal metabolic functioning and will accelerate muscle loss and slow fat loss. However, cardio and strength training in the proper amounts greatly benefit weight loss by boosting your metabolism and helping you to burn more calories.

In addition, strength training will help preserve existing muscle mass, which sometimes is lost during weight loss.  Maintaining an overall calorie deficit forces your body to use body fat for energy and the higher intensity and longer workouts (cardio and strength) use more energy. Note that neither form of exercise actually burns much fat during the exercise itself.  It’s the total amount of energy expended that determines how much fat you will burn. Your nutrition coach will assist you in developing an exercise plan or review your current plan and make recommendations accordingly.

In general, Nutrition for You recommends burning no more than 400 calories average per day for females and no more than 500 calories average per day for males. Nutrition for You does not recommend losing weight while training for competitions such as marathons, Ironman, and cycling events. If you are doing these types of events, fueling right and increasing your performance should be a priority. Nutrition for You coaches will help you design a sports nutrition plan that includes meals before, during and  after exercise.