Of course everyone wants to know the answer to this question. The answer is one we often do not want to hear and certainly don't want to do. But here it is . . .

Behavior Modification

Yep! That's it. More specifically, modifying behavior with regard to food choices is the key to becoming thin. When we mention behavior modification related to food, a couple of things are assumed:

• We're not talking about a quick-fix short-term weight loss.
• This is to be a lifestyle change, not temporary change.
• You are participating in at least some regular exercise.

Behavior Modification is the very thing the Personal Training industry is built on. Even still, most health clubs and trainers rarely mention eating at all and if they do, they certainly don't give you a plan outlining your meals.

Nutrition v. Exercise

Another thing we have to think about is exercise. With few exceptions, it's safe to say that exercise does not make you thin. Exercise makes your muscles toned and your body firm; it makes you feel good, gives you energy, it can increase metabolism, and it reduces risk of disease, and on and on. The benefits of exercise are endless. But, with just a few exceptions, exercise generally does not make you thin. In fact, some of the time, it makes you hungry, and if you are not in the habit of choosing quality foods, you tend to eat more of the foods that keep the pounds on. Exercise certainly supports and promotes weight loss, but it is not the primary key to losing weight. Obviously, tremendous amounts of exercise done each day will likely take the pounds off, but that type of training is uncommon and not healthy over the long-term. Of course we hear about the girl who weighed 135 lbs. and began a program with no changes in eating and lost 10 lbs. right away and looks great. Typically, this person is already eating pretty well and exercise is their limiting factor, not food. This article is directed toward the other 99.9% of the population who try to exercise to lose weight and don't. This population needs to modify food choices to reach their goals. This is the majority of people. If you need a real-life example, think of the ultimate physique athletes, the body builder. They typically train hard year round, but, when it comes time to compete and get lean, they go on what is called a "pre-contest" or "cutting" diet. Their exercise is sometimes modified also, but their primary method for achieving a lean, muscular look is food modification.

This is why some personal trainers stand out from other trainers and training teams. We understand that modifying your behavior with regard to food is the key to becoming thin.

We promote complete behavior modification and that is why our clients get results. Our meal plans, when followed, yield instant results. This kind of trainer has never had a client follow their plan and fail to get results. 

So next time you're thinking about losing weight and getting trim, remember, your food is the thing that must change in order to achieve lasting success. The exercise will take that success and make it look awesome!