Body composition
Sometimes people assume I can just look at someone and accurately guess their weight. I’m a dietitian, not a superhero with x-ray vision! This week we’re sharing excerpts from a blog by our friends at EatLove to showcase that it’s what’s INSIDE that counts.
Let's say Theo exercises 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week but pays absolutely no attention to what he eats. If his buddy Joe has that same exact exercise routine but also ties in the nutrition component by meal prepping and making smart food choices, he will likely have better health and fitness results compared to Theo.
If Theo weighs 180 lbs. and has a high body fat percentage, he will look and feel much differently compared to Joe, who also weighs 180 lbs. but has a lower body fat percentage and more muscle mass. Don’t be a Theo… stay on track with your nutrition plan to help you improve your body composition and fuel your fitness better.
What Is Body Composition?
Your weight is not the only way to measure progress. Your body is composed of fat mass and fat-free mass. Fat-free mass is everything in your body that is not fat, which includes muscle mass, organs, bones, water, and connective tissues. Each individual has a different body composition and body fat percentage, both of which can be changed through dietary intake and exercise (copyright EatLove 2020).
A change in body composition is most often noticed when clothes fit looser or you feel a little leaner. Paying attention to body composition is a great way to track progress without the scale!
Resources
Check out our article on diet’s BFF to learn more about how diet and exercise work together to get results.
If you’re struggling with finding a nutrition plan that works for you, read more about EatLove, our meal planning app, here.