The 80/20 Rule: The Importance of nutrition for losing belly fat

I was talking to a new client yesterday, she came to us because she was not getting the results she had hoped for with her current training program. She was doing at least 3 circuit classes a week and included a lot of incidental exercise into her week, which was not bad for someone who has a predominantly sit down job. But it was obvious she was not happy with where she was and wanted to do something about it.

As she explained to me as we were going through the initial consultation phase

"I'm not sure I'm eating the right foods in the right quantities"

And she was right, there were huge gaps in her diet. Whilst she was eating some of the right foods, she was eating them at the wrong time of the day, consequently her body was unable to move the belly fat that had accumulated over the last couple of years. And unfortunately it showed in the stats (and yes we have permission to cite these):

• Age: 45
• Weight: 89.6 kilos
• Body fat (scale): 41%
• Blood pressure was slightly elevated and she was embarrassed at the "state" she was in.

I was quick to point out though, most people never admit they need help, most people never find the correct answers because they don't ask the right questions of the right people, and they don't train effectively. But what was surprising to my new client was the fact that most of her "problem" areas could be corrected through diet - 80% in fact of every training program should focus on diet and nutrition.

What we see though is people being signed on for gym programs without any mention of the importance of nutrition.

As we devise a new eating plan (based on current lifestyle, weight and body fat reduction requirements) and training program we will follow her progress. As she says she is the perfect example of worst case scenario (actually she isn't, but if she had kept on doing what she had been doing - then that is another story of course) and if we could help her to reduce her body fat, size, weight and get her toned at the same time, she would be proof positive you could lose belly fat.

Update on 9 June , 2010 by eFit Editor

After 3 weeks of training and a new diet our client has lost 2.6kilos and is down to 35% body fat on the scales - we will do a skin fold check again after 4 weeks - which will give a more accurate reflection of body fat to lean body mass.

What we are finding is whilst we are constantly challenging her with new exercises and weights our client does need to believe in herself and her abilities.

"You expect me to do what?!" is one of her favourite sayings, usually followed by peals of laughter.

Little by little though she is coming to the conclusion that her previous training has been ineffectual simply because she has never been challenged in quite the same way before. She is also the first to admit that years of being told she can't do something, that she is not capable, too fat or whatever the "put down" comments have been - have left her with little self confidence. But we are out to change all that.

Our 12 week program to a new you will help you to lose weight, lose belly fat, gain muscle definition, a sleeker toned body and the confidence to go with it. Are you ready to join us and find the New You?