10 reasons a more aggressive approach to fat loss may work better for you

Caveat: I don’t recommend this to anyone who is not getting proper coaching support.

With that out the way… I will often take clients through a more aggressive initial fat loss phase.

There are a few reasons for this…

1) To capitalise on initial motivation

2) To break your self imposed barrier of what you think you’re capable of

3) Results are motivating

4) The more sustainable approach feels easier once you’ve dieted hard.

5) When you have a lot of fat to lose exercise can be unenjoyable - losing the first bit of at quickly can make exercise and generally being active more enjoyable and easier to stick to.

6) Hunger regulation improves when you are leaner - the first bit is going to be hard whether you’re in a moderate deficit or a larger deficit - each to their own but most people want to get through that stage quicker

7) Small changes often aren’t exciting enough, don’t challenge you enough and don’t scare you a little - when you’re looking for serious lifestyle change or to push your body and get in the shape of your life subtle changes don’t cut it. Challenging yourself is exciting but it’s only a challenge if you’re pushing yourself outside your comfort zone.

8) Less flexibility often makes it easier to stick to.

9) Hunger on lower calories is often reduced (I know seems weird but research supports this too - potentially linked to ketosis for those interested)

10) Quicker results means less time losing fat, more time at maintenance!

I am not going to bullish*t you…

There is no secret - it’s harder, it’s lower calories, it’s more steps, it’s less flexibility with food and it’s more effort in the gym.

You’re going to have to make some sacrifices here to get results & it’s important you’re willing to do that before you commit to it.

It’s 100% NOT the right approach for a lot of people.

& I always ask people commit to staying for a minimum of 3 months after the initial aggressive phase so we can establish a more sustainable approach ongoing & avoid rebounding.

It would be completely against what I do, how I coach and what I stand for to allow you to rebound after the initial more aggressive phase.

One thing it can do is get momentum going, break your glass ceilings and realise you’re more capable than you think and also make you feel like the more sustainable approach after is easy because you’ve pushed yourself harder for the first 30 or so days.

Think about speed of fat loss on a spectrum.

On one side you have an aggressive approach - this requires more sacrifice but you lose fat faster.

On the other end you have a more moderate approach - this only requires making compromises as opposed to sacrifices but fat loss will be slower.

*both of these approaches are making a huge assumption - that you adhere to the plan*

Most people’s initial thought is that the moderate approach will be easier to stick to but in my experience that is often not the case. A slower approach can be demotivating and low motivation can lead to poor adherence.

Saying that - a moderate approach makes the process more enjoyable and because you’re not making sacrifices you’re often in less of a rush.

Fat loss isn’t such a drag if you’re still enjoying your favourite food and have the flexibility to eat socially too.

Take home:

You can great results by making smart choices and compromises in your life but you will need a dash of patience too - these results will take longer.

You can get quicker results if you’re willing to make a few sacrifices.

There is no right or wrong approach- there is just what is best for the individual at the time.

Want some help to figure out the right approach for you or decide whether an aggressive approach is for you?

Apply for coaching here.