Weight lifting helps in weight loss as it builds muscle. Muscle burns more calories at rest compared to fat. So, even when you're not working out, your body is burning more energy. For example, if you gain 5 pounds of muscle, you'll burn an extra 100 - 150 calories a day just by having that muscle mass.
One success story is my friend Lisa. She started counting calories religiously. She used an app to track everything she ate. By simply being aware of the calorie intake, she was able to cut out unnecessary snacks and large portions. In a few months, she lost 20 pounds. It was amazing to see her transformation just by being conscious of the calories.
There's also Mark. He was overweight and decided to count calories to lose weight. He learned about the calorie content of different foods and found ways to substitute high - calorie items with lower - calorie but still satisfying alternatives. For example, he switched from full - fat milk to skim milk. He also started cooking more at home, which allowed him to control the ingredients and calorie amounts precisely. After a year, he had lost a significant amount of weight and felt much healthier.
Yes, they can be effective in the short term. When you consume only 800 calories a day, your body is in a calorie deficit, which forces it to use stored fat for energy. However, it may not be sustainable. Such a low - calorie diet can make you feel extremely hungry and fatigued. Also, it might slow down your metabolism over time as your body tries to conserve energy.
My neighbor, Mary, was determined to lose weight. She counted calories and focused on reducing her portion sizes. She found that cooking at home more often helped her control the calorie content. She used measuring cups and spoons to be precise. After a year, she lost 25 pounds. She was so happy with her new body and her healthier lifestyle.
One success story is of a woman who started lifting weights three times a week. She combined it with a balanced diet. In just a few months, she noticed a significant drop in body fat percentage. The muscle she built through weight lifting increased her metabolism, which burned more calories at rest. This led to her losing around 20 pounds in total.
Another inspiring story is of Dave. He was a busy office worker with no prior experience in fitness. He took up weight lifting to relieve stress. He made it a habit to go to the gym early in the morning. He learned from experienced lifters in the gym. Dave started seeing results in a few months. His body became more toned, and he had more energy throughout the day. His success made him a role model for his colleagues to start taking care of their fitness.
A friend of mine had a sad weight lifting story. He had been going to the gym regularly for years. His goal was to break a personal record in bench press. But one day, when he was attempting to lift a heavier weight than usual, his form was a bit off. He dropped the weight on his chest and got a bruised rib. It was really sad as he was so close to achieving his goal. After that incident, he was scared to go back to the bench press for a long time.
One of the saddest things in a weight lifting story is when a person's weight lifting journey is cut short by an unexpected health issue. Maybe they have a heart condition that is discovered after they start weight lifting. They have to stop immediately, and all their dreams of getting stronger and more fit are gone. It's not just about the physical activity but also about the emotional attachment and the goals they had set for themselves.
One major risk is nutrient deficiency. With only 800 calories, it's tough to get all the nutrients your body needs. Another risk is a slowdown in metabolism. Your body might think it's starving and start conserving energy, making future weight loss harder. Also, there can be issues with fatigue and lack of energy for daily activities.