“I’m an athlete who wants to lose fat and gain muscle…”
“P.S. I’m over 50 and one or more of the following is also true about me: high blood pressure, my waist is bigger than my hips, my waistline is bigger than my hips, I’ve been overweight for more than five years, I can lose weight repeatedly—but I always regain it, my triglycerides are high on my cholesterol test, my blood sugar is a little high, I am a woman who has had babies weighing 9 lbs or more.”
If ANY of the above P.S. statements could be yours, you probably have a condition called “metabolic syndrome,” a precursor to type 2 diabetes. I heartily congratulate you on wanting to turn your health around, because that is exactly what you will do when you are successful at losing fat and gaining muscle. If you can turn belly fat into a bulging bicep, it will be easier for you to maintain a normal weight over time. You will make your doctor happy with your next lab tests, and maybe even get off your blood pressure medications. You will sleep better, have a better sex life (!) and keep your brain healthy as you age.
Cutting to the Chase
You won't solve the problem with exercise alone. Exercise will help, but 80-90% of the benefit comes from changing your diet.
