What am I losing actually?

Weight loss is simple. Input < Output = Weight loss

Input is your diet while output is your workout. If you eat less and workout more, you will definitely lose weight.

However, when people talk about weight loss, some think that as long they see numbers falling off the scale, they are losing weight, or if they see numbers piling up, they think they're gaining weight.

This article will tell you exactly what you're losing and what you're gaining. For the purpose of the many readers who may not be familiar with some terms, I'll make it as easy to understand by giving the very basics.

Weight loss typically involves losing:

• Water
• Fat
• Muscle

In all circumstances, you want to lose both water and fat, but keep muscle mass constant or better yet, increase muscle mass.

Muscle vs Fats

It is important to know first of all that muscle is denser than fats. In layman's terms, a mass of muscle is heavier than fats of the same mass.

Losing weight on the scales, therefore, is tricky business. On one hand, your scales may go down but you may be losing muscle. On the other hand, your scales may go up but you are really losing fat and water. So, the design of your workout and diet will essentially give you a rough idea of what you're losing.

Benefits of having more muscle

First of all, do not have the mindset that having more muscle will make you look like a bodybuilder. Personally, I wouldn't want to either.

Your body burns more calories in maintaining muscles than fats. Therefore, you are essentially burning calories while you are watching TV.

However, you cannot gain muscles just by sitting at the TV or running alone. The next article will explain to you the disadvantages of pure cardio and why it may be bad for you.

Disclaimer: My posts are based on my own knowledge after reading up on the various topics throughout my life. I am by no means a doctor or a nutritionist so before you start on any nutrition plans or workouts that I write about, please consult your doctor for advice.