5 Weight Loss Tips From Real CrossFit Members

“It's the questions we can't answer that teach us the most. They teach us how to think. If you give a man an answer, all he gains is a little fact. But give him a question and he'll look for his own answers.”

― Patrick Rothfuss, The Wise Man's Fear

Losing weight is so hard to do. And the worst thing about it is starting the weight loss process. That is why anyone would grab the chance of having many tips as they can.

But one should be careful on choosing to whom to get an advice with. This is because a lot of people might lead you into the wrong way.

With that, here are 5 weight loss tips from real CrossFit Members.

No two boxes are alike

“Each culture, coach and [workout] space is very different,”

Anna Willard, a CrossFit athlete at CrossFit Merrimack in Lowell, MA,

It is recommended to try out a couple of different boxes before committing yourself to one. You do not necessarily have to go to the place that is the most convenient.

Look for that one gym that will keep you coming back. Take note of each box’s programming (aka the structure of workouts) and study the overall vibe of the community before ponying up for a package.

The thing here is just to remember that you cannot compare yourself to another. Or one gym to the other one. They are different and you too are different from other CrossFitters. So you should consult an expert to determine which program is best for you.

And before considering a gym, look for the programs they offer and reconsider your choice.

Be Wise and Eat Smart Fats

“Understanding is the first step to acceptance, and only with acceptance can there be recovery.”

― J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

A healthy fat intake is essential for body composition. This is because dietary fat is used to make up the lipid layer of cells. It is involved in the production of muscle building hormones such as testosterone.

Diets that contain 30 to 50 percent fat are associated with much higher testosterone levels in men than low-fat diets, which is significant because higher testosterone is associated with a better body composition.

Research shows that in both men and women, eating a diet higher in certain dietary fats is associated with a leaner body composition and less body fat than a diet lower in fat and higher in carbs.

So you better keep in your mind that not all fats are bad. Humans need them in order to maintain the proper balance of our health. But you also need to remember that too much or too less of something is bad.

Avoid artificial sweeteners

“Dieting is the only game where you win when you lose!”

― Karl Lagerfeld

According to the study published in the Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, consumption of Splenda (sucralose) resulted in negatively altered gut flora.

Sucralose consumption resulted in significantly reduced amounts of good bacteria in the gastrointestinal system as well as alterations in pH. Sucralose found in sugar alcohols such as mannitol, sorbitol, xylitol, lactitol, and maltitol are known to cause bloating, gas, diarrhea and other forms of gastrointestinal distress.

That is why avoiding artificial sweeteners is a must when you are still trying to lose weight.

 Stay Hydrated and Limit Your Beverages to Water, Tea & Coffee

Drink adequate water. Limit your beverage choices to water, tea, and coffee. Completely eliminate juice, all soda, alcohol and any “sports” drinks.

For water intake, shoot for 0.6 to 0.7 ounces per pound of body weight, which calculates to 120 to 140 ounces for a 200 lb man, or 72 to 84 ounces for a 120 lb woman.

Naturally, this suggestion may vary based on the amount you sweat, the amount you train, and your personal circumstances. If you are not even close to your water intake goal, start by increasing intake by 4 to 8 ounces a day until you reach your goal.

Green tea and coffee have both been shown to increase insulin sensitivity, and they provide a slight boost to resting metabolic rate. They are rich in antioxidants and green tea supports detoxification. Drink only organic tea and coffee for best results.

 Most importantly, never say never

Rope climbs, pull-ups, and handstand push-ups all seemed so out of reach for first starting. But after nine months of training, plus a solid dose of grit and determination, you can now do all of those movements with ease.

Lofty goals might be more achievable than you expect — just keep working at it.

Never give up easily.