Idealistic, Realistic, and Healthy

  

  The reality of those three words (idealistic, realistic, healthy) is that they all are unfortunately different. We know that standards in society make these words that would ideally exist in a harmonious fashion hold very different meanings.
   One thing I learned through my training and weight loss is that just because you are loosing weight and exercising, doesn't mean you are keeping your body healthy. There certainly is such a thing as overdoing it. Unfortunately the diet and training for NPC competitions, while it may get you to an extreme ideal body type, this body is completely unrealistic to maintain and the diet isn't healthy for the long term even though you are eating a clean low fat diet. Just because you are not obese, does not mean that you are"healthy".

    What needs to be realized is that your body does need certain amounts of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Beyond this, your body also needs rest and time to recover from exercise. Although it feels good to be making weight loss progress, you shouldn't have a greater caloric deficit than about 1000 cals a day and you should research the levels of nutrients that your individual body needs, which may differ from that of another. Eating much below what your body needs can affect your body processes, your mood, and your energy levels in general.
    It hardly seems fair that some people you know have such an easy time loosing and maintaining their weight while some struggle endlessly just to refrain from gaining. It may be hard to accept, but there really are different sizes and shapes that people come in. At the same time, there is a way with enough determination for nearly anyone to get to their goal size, fitness level, etc. It is important to listen to your body to remain healthy. One of the simplest, and most effective ways is to eat smart when you are hungry and stop when you are satisfied, not stuffed.