Plateau on the Paleo Diet

by DebbieJ MS RDN | Mar 21, 2019 | All, Ask Our Dietitian, Home, Nutrition

Question:

I’m hoping to get dietary advice for fat loss. I’m currently eating a Paleo diet with a smoothie for breakfast and salads with protein and maybe a sweet potato for lunch and dinner with no added sugar and plenty of healthy fats. This type of diet used to yield results for me, but now my weight and body fat percentage seem to stay the same no matter what I do. Any advice is much appreciated.

– Heather C.

Answer:

When a successful diet approach no longer works, there might be a few possibilities as to why. Depending on how long ago your last attempt was, the age-related effects on metabolism could be slowing things down. You could be close to your ideal body weight range, so your body may be trying to hold onto its fat. It could be that while you’re adhering to the same restrictions, your portions or between-meal snacking have crept up. Also, your activity level and lifestyle may not be as they were when you got results in the past.

A person can still be micronutrient-deficient in areas on any diet¹, especially if your day-to-day meal plan is repetitive. One of the pitfalls to a Paleo diet could be iodine deficiency² which can affect metabolism (via the thyroid gland). To avoid undernutrition, rely on whole foods not packaged Paleo foods, double vegetable intake beyond salad (like calcium sources: kale, spinach, cauliflower, broccoli, collard greens, Brussel sprouts), incorporate eggs and mushrooms for vitamin D, and vary your intake daily.

You may be surprised that when you’re meeting your full nutritional needs with adequate sleep and exercise, your body responds with easier weight loss!

References:

Prevalence of micronutrient deficiency in popular diet plans. JB Calton. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. 2010 June 10: 7:24.
A Paleolithic-type diet results in iodine deficiency: a 2-year randomized trial in postmenopausal obese women. S Manousou et al. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2018. 72, 124-129.

– Debbie J., MS, RD

This article should not replace any exercise program or restrictions, any dietary supplements or restrictions, or any other medical recommendations from your primary care physician. Before starting any exercise program or diet, make sure it is approved by your doctor.

Some questions have been edited for length and/or clarity.

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10 Spring Cleaning Tips to Help Make Your Life More Joyful

by Candice Currie | Mar 20, 2019 | All, Fitness, Home

Spring cleaning is all about getting rid of the old and making room for the new! It’s a season for change. A time to make things fresh again. But, how did spring cleaning become such a tradition?

The History of Spring Cleaning

According to an article published by Country Living¹ referencing an article that was published by the Washington Post, the annual tradition of spring-cleaning dates back to the 1800s when housekeepers would have to clean the dirt that had collected in the home from the cold winter months.

Soot and grime would collect, lamps were lit with whale oil or kerosene, and needless to say, things got messy. In order to clean the mess up, windows would be opened to let in the fresh air and let out the dirt and soot. Of course, opening up the windows meant the weather had to be nicer.

However, there are also religious origins associated with spring cleaning in Jewish, Christian and Iranian customs. Each consist of a special type of cleaning that takes place in honor of a religious holiday.

And probably the most obvious of all reasons is that in the winter the weather is colder and the sky is murkier, which makes us sleepier – not to mention that the days are shorter! Energy is hard to be found during the winter months, so once the sun starts showing itself again and our bodies begin feeling recharged, it’s easier to wake up and feel an urge to start wiping away all that extra dust you may start noticing around the house.

Spring Cleaning Tips

Whatever your reason for spring cleaning is, it’s always good to try switching things up, whether that’s spring cleaning your home, your fitness routine, or your nutritional habits! (Did those warm winter comfort foods add on a few extra pounds?)

Check out our list of some helpful ways you can spring clean your health and fitness routines!

Spring Clean Your Fitness Routine Tip #1

Here comes the sun, do doo do do.

Staying active doesn’t have to just mean staying active in the gym! Living a healthy lifestyle means staying active indoors and outdoors! When the weather starts looking nice, head outside for some fresh air and to try a new exercise – switching up your fitness routine can help prevent your body from hitting a weight loss plateau.

Spring Clean Your Fitness Routine Tip #2

Out with the old, in with the new!

Are you a cardio person or more of a weightlifter? Chances are you probably prefer one over the other, but both are needed for a balanced fitness routine! Try switching it up and add some more weight training to your routine or cardio if that’s where you normally struggle. Change can do the body good, and there’s no better time than spring cleaning to get started with something new!

Spring Clean Your Fitness Routine Tip #3

HIIT the Ground Running

Spring cleaning your fitness routine doesn’t necessarily mean trying an entirely new activity. It could be something as simple as switching up your interval training. Perhaps try shorter, high-intensity workouts a couple times a week and combine those with longer, steadier workouts throughout the week.

Find a HIIT by LAF® studio near you.

Spring Clean Your Fitness Routine Tip #4

The Early Bird Gets the Gains?

A workout is a workout no matter the time of day, but if you’re used to going to the gym after work, try going first thing in the morning – dare we suggest even before your morning cup of coffee? Or if you’re used to mornings, try going after work and sweating off some of that post work stress. Changing up the time you go to the gym helps keep things fresh and can help break you out of your normal routine.

Spring Clean Your Fitness Routine Tip #5

Spring into Sports!

Are you a fan of sports? Try joining a recreational sports league to help keep yourself active while also trying something new! Sometimes, participating in sports is a great way to forget you’re working out while also having fun. LA Fitness offers a variety of club leagues – ask the front desk about it today!

Join a league.

Spring Clean Your Fitness Routine Tip #6

Group Fitness Fun

If you haven’t tried a Group Fitness class yet, now is the time! There are countless options available at various times throughout the day. Try an activity you’ve never done before and give it a chance – it could become one of your new favorite exercises. Plus, having a class support group and trained instructors cheering you on can help keep you motivated on days that you’re losing steam.

Find a group fitness class for you, here!

Spring Clean Your Fitness Routine Tip #7

We. Dare. You.

Are you up for a challenge? Sign up for a race! It’s a great way to train for an event and embrace your competitive side. Plus, cardio is great for the heart and building endurance. Even if you’re not a fan of long distance running, there are plenty of 5ks available year around. Check out what’s local to you!

Spring Clean Your Fitness Routine Tip #8

Grab a Moving Buddy.

Friends who train together make waves together. Swap out after work happy hour for flex hour at the gym. Not only does having a gym buddy help keep you accountable, but it can be a lot more encouraging than working out solo. Try inviting a friend to join you for a sweat sesh and set mini challenges for each other for some friendly fun.

Invite a friend.

Spring Clean Your Fitness Routine Tip #9

Train. Harder.

Do you feel like you have a pretty good grasp on fitness by now? Try elevating your fitness routine by working with a personal trainer. Adding a trainer to your routine can help you train harder, add variety to your workouts, and push you to step outside your comfort zone.

Sources:

Carter, Maria. “How Spring Cleaning Became an Annual Tradition.” Country Living, Country Living, 24 Jan. 2018, www.countryliving.com/home-maintenance/a38381/how-spring-cleaning-became-a-tradition/.

Foods for Weight Loss

by DebbieJ MS RDN | Mar 19, 2019 | All, Ask Our Dietitian, Home, Nutrition

Question:

I am wondering what you recommend for a diet to lose 10 lbs. in 2 weeks when I work out every day on the elliptical for 1 hr. I know I should do calorie counting, but I was hoping to adjust my diet to eat foods that promote weight loss.

– Lou G.

Answer:

Calorie counting is a good start IF you know what your estimated energy needs are and how much you were eating before. Of course, you can just choose an arbitrary number or follow generic advice, often a flat 1,500 calories daily. However, that method isn’t an accurate guide as to how much you can lose. Losing 10 pounds in two weeks means you’re sure to decrease lean body mass as well, so I don’t recommend it. The most effective weight loss is fat loss, which doesn’t occur as rapidly as you intend. Keeping off those pounds means changing your lifestyle permanently.

Foods that promote weight loss are rich in micronutrients, low in saturated fat and full of phytochemicals and fiber. Vegetables are perfect! You can work some sort of veggie into every meal and snack. Whole grains (e.g., barley, rye, wheat berries, quinoa) give you sufficient energy for your daily elliptical workout. Lean proteins (e.g., most fish, egg whites, poultry breast, extra lean meats) will support muscle retention as you curb caloric intake. Water is critical for efficient metabolism and to help dampen appetite. Fruits are a great substitute for desserts and work as ready-to-eat snacks pre/post workout. Even something higher calorie like nuts can work into your diet given you control portions – an ounce per serving.

– Debbie J., MS, RD

Some questions have been edited for length and/or clarity.

Ask our Dietitian

Have a nutrition question? Our registered dietitian is ready to help!

Email nutrition@lafitness.com or submit your question below and it may be featured in an upcoming article!

Instructor Spotlight | Celebrating 19 Years in the Fitness Industry

by Fitness Contributor | Mar 18, 2019 | All, Home, Member Stories

“As a former overweight guy, my weight will always be a struggle. I consistently work on my diet and find ways to shock my body.”

Wes F.

Group Fitness Instructor, LA Fitness

Prior to entering the gym, I used to weigh 350 lbs. with a 52-inch waist. My mother and I made a commitment to change and reinvent ourselves every year. I got earrings, tattoos, and new haircuts. Finally, I decided to lose weight.

I was a treadmill and weights guy until I saw a guy teaching a step class. People were piling into the aerobic room just to take his class. I finally got the nerve to try it for the first time. It was the most exhausting thing I had ever done.

I continued to take classes and followed my favorite instructor around town. One day after class, he looked at me and said, “You should start teaching.” At this time, I was down to 280 lbs. and laughed off the idea. I thought people would think that I’m too big to teach classes.

He said, “Wesley, you got it. Don’t worry about the weight, it will continue to come off.” So, I went and got certified through AFAA. My first class was February 1, 2000. I am now celebrating 19 years in the Fitness Industry.

Throughout my tenure in teaching, I got certified in over 25 formats, became a certified personal trainer, danced for a ballet company, and became a Master Instructor for several formats. I teach at fundraisers, charities, competitions, and fitness conferences.

As a former overweight guy, my weight will always be a struggle. I consistently work on my diet and find ways to shock my body. Looking at old pictures of myself compared to where I am now, I see miles of maturity and shrinkage. Starting from overweight and untoned to fit and muscular.

As a fitness professional, I tell all my students that Group Fitness classes are just a part of the solution. Your effort to maintain a steady diet must match the effort you make to attend class, using the LA Fitness quote, “You can’t out train a bad diet.”

For some, teaching Group Fitness classes is easy and simple. However, they underestimate the amount of work it takes to prep for class, keep your class current, and always have the energy to be exciting and motivating.

In my 19 years, I have learned it has to be more than just class. It is about the experience. With that, I stress form and technique, stamina and energy in my classes, while providing the best music and variety of exercise.

For all of my peer instructors, personality and education is everything. If you are not engaging and knowledgeable about teaching, then your class will be bored and lack trust in you.

Classes Taught:

At LA Fitness, I teach Step, Kickboxing, Body Works, Power Circuit, Yoga, Pilates, Aqua Fit, Cardio Jam, Boot Camp, and Cycle.

Current Fitness Goals:

I have become even more focused on my weight training and stretching. I want men and women to see the most successful athletes are people with an equal balance of strength, endurance, and flexibility.

Some slight adjustments may have been made for grammar and/or clarity.

Plateau on the Paleo Diet

Question:

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