The fascinating truth about weight loss – and why it’s not what you think
Here’s a question. What are you actually losing when you’re dropping weight?
A common response I hear is that we lose weight through our stools. That makes sense, right? Well, the make up our stool is mostly water and bulk fiber waste – stuff that was never absorbed into our bodies in the first place. It’s just passing through enjoying the ride.
This infographic was created by the_digitalmonkey: https://www.flickr.com/photos/rajkamalaich/
And while yes, it is an exit route for toxins processed in the liver and released into the intestines via the bile, it’s not actually how we decrease our fat stores. Don’t get me wrong, proper pooing. is important for a lean, healthy body, but it’s not what I’m looking for here.
What about through the urine? This is mostly water with some electrolytes.
Sweat? Again mostly water, with some minerals, and toxins thrown in.
Lets look at fat tissue
To simplify things, lets just say that fat tissue is primarily made of carbon atoms (with a few oxygen and hydrogen atoms to mix it up).
When fat molecules break down (via processes called lipolysis and lipid oxidation) we get a molecule called aceytl-CoA. This dude goes through a pathway called the Kreb’s Cycle, which preps the cell for the final energy-producing pathway.
The by-product of the body using fat stores for energy is…
Carbon Dioxide.
And what do we do with carbon dioxide?
We breath it out. When we exhale.
Conscious breathing is important for weight loss.
(Tweet it.)
In addition to releasing weight, it’s a great stress reliever. And stress is known to cause weight gain, especially around the middle.
Proper belly breathing also improves the function of every cell in the body, if I may be so bold.
How to breath properly
- Sit comfortably.
- Place a hand on your chest and one on your abdomen
- As you breathe in through your nose allow your entire lung cavity to fill with air. When done properly this will force the diaphragm to flatten and push the abdominal cavity out.
Yep, when you breathe in your belly should go out.
- 4. As you let the air leave your body through your mouth, your belly will soften back to a neutral place.
Wash, rinse, repeat, as they say.
It may feel really different for you, and that is okay. Change is uncomfortable. Start small, offensively so, and aim to practice 66 days in a row. Then it will become a habit.
There is no quick fix for weight loss.
A healthy diet based on your friendly foods, including proper hydration, in combination with the right type of exercise, and an adequate amount of active and passive rest (sleep) are all good starting places.
I know that was a link heavy paragraph, but I just wanted to show you I have lots of FREE resources in previous blog posts.
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In the comments below I’d love to hear if this information surprised you, or if you have any experience with breathing consciously and what you noticed as a result.
To your delightful, thriving, breathing life,
Dr. Tonia
