Nutrition fundamentals for body composition and performance

Nutrition fundamentals for body composition and performance: there are two main categories that everyone needs to optimize to reach your goals. The two categories are caloric intake and macronutrient ratios. When these two categories are off track, your progress suffers. 

Your goals almost always include something to do with looking better, feeling better and performing better. People assume that losing weight is on that list because that’s what you have been indoctrinated into thinking. Building / maintaining muscle mass and losing body fat are what you should be focused on. Nobody talks about that because it’s not part of the money making narrative. 

Here are a list of questions that you should be asking yourself:

What are my specific goals?

What should my caloric intake be to reach my goals?

What is my current actual caloric intake?

What macronutrient ratio of protein, fat and carbs should I be using to reach my goals?

What is my current actual macronutrient ratio?

What changes do I have to make to go from my actual current caloric intake and macronutrient ratio to my desired caloric intake and macronutrient ratio?

Once you have the answers to these questions then you can take positive decisive actions that will actually assist you in achieving your goals. Simple doctrinal statements like “eat less and exercise more” and “slim down and tone up” are amateur hour constructs propagated by the money making industries. 

Try “burn fat and build muscle” instead for optimal healthy results. 

In my nutrition program that I have taught for years, I teach, coach and mentor people to answer those questions, calculate the answers, and develop your own nutrition plan to reach your specific goals. 

Most people are too lazy or undisciplined to do the work required. For those types, they can simply do endless cardio and starve themselves until they can cram their atrophied malnourished brittle bodies into a size zero pair of jeans. Dying skinny can be a goal I suppose. Throughout history, death camps were filled with skeletal looking skinny people (barely alive and dead). So choose your goals wisely. It’s worth doing the work to be healthy. 

Beyond the Scale Part 1: Why is it important to track all of your body composition instead of just tracking body weight?

Tracking body composition is important because it provides a more comprehensive understanding of your overall health and fitness progress compared to just tracking body weight. Here are a few reasons why tracking body composition is beneficial:

1. Differentiates between fat and muscle: Body composition analysis allows you to determine the percentage of body fat and muscle mass. This is important because even if your body weight remains the same, your body composition may change. By tracking body composition, you can assess whether you are losing fat and gaining muscle, which is essential for achieving a lean and healthy physique.

2. Evaluates overall health: Body composition analysis provides insights into your overall health beyond just weight. Excessive body fat, especially around the abdominal area, is associated with an increased risk of various health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. By tracking body composition, you can monitor changes in body fat levels and take necessary steps to improve your health.

3. Personalizes fitness and nutrition plans: Understanding your body composition can help personalize your fitness and nutrition plans. For example, if your goal is to lose body fat, tracking body composition can help you assess the effectiveness of your exercise and diet regimen. It allows you to make adjustments based on your specific needs and goals.

4. Motivates and encourages progress: Seeing positive changes in body composition, such as a decrease in body fat percentage or an increase in muscle mass, can be highly motivating. Tracking these changes can help you stay focused and committed to your health and fitness journey.

In summary, tracking body composition provides a more detailed and accurate assessment of your overall health, helps you differentiate between fat and muscle changes, personalizes your fitness and nutrition plans, and serves as a source of motivation. It is a valuable tool for monitoring progress and making informed decisions to optimize your health and fitness goals.

Over the years, I have used tape measures, hand held bio electric impedance devices, body fat calipers, and a variety of weight scales to conduct body composition assessments on my clients and myself. 

While each method has different pros and cons, I have switched to a new device that does it all and is less hands on and invasive. 

My new device that I have used for the past couple of years, for my clients and myself, is the Inevifit Eros Smart Body Fat Scale and its associated iPhone app. 

You simply step on the scale barefoot and the scale transmits your data to the app on your phone. 

It tracks more than 9 different metrics or data points related to your body composition. And you can add your whole family to your users on the app. Or in my case I have myself and my clients on my app. 

This data provides you with a much more detailed picture of where you stand in regards to your progress towards your goals. This way you can make informed decisions and better adjustments to your fitness and nutrition plan as needed. 

Complete Body Composition: Metrics include Weight, Fat Percentage, Muscle Mass, Water Percentage, Bone Mass, BMI, Visceral Fat, Metabolic Age & even Basal Metabolic Rate

I like this scale a lot and it has proven itself to be of great benefit for my clients and myself. 

So I highly recommend this scale and app for home and business use. 

After having such positive experiences with this scale and app, I have added it to the list of products that I sell through Dempsey’s Resolution Fitness. 

If you want to know more about this scale, and get one for you and your family or business, use this link here:

Inevifit Smart Body Fat Scale

Two important factors when choosing a foam roller for SMR

Two important factors when choosing a foam roller for SMR are density and diameter. 

Self myofascial rolling is a great way to relieve tension, stress and discomfort from knots, tender spots and adhesions in your muscles. 

It’s recommended for your warmup and cool down for each workout in addition to other mobility and flexibility exercises. 

View my video 

Use this link to get yourself a good foam roller. 

Get Your Foam Roller Here

Creatine Monohydrate Saved My Gains Over the Holidays

Hope everyone had a Merry Christmas!

I had Abby over for this past week and I stayed busy with her so I deliberately planned a recovery week with no workouts. 

So I had to break the rust off the joints and get back on the weights. I anticipated pain and a substantial loss in strength which is common after a week off. To my surprise, I had neither one of those expected results. 

I hit the bench press and my performance and strength was shockingly good. How can this be? The answer was creatine monohydrate. 

I consistently took in 5-7g of creatine monohydrate everyday in my morning coffee. 

I have been unofficially studying this phenomenon for a few years now. 

Even after a week off and losing 5lbs, my strength on the bench was easily where I was a week prior except with no pain and the joints feeling good. 

The break was actually a time of healing and rejuvenation. The creatine intake was consistent and never missed. 

I have repeated this process numerous times over the last few years with the same results. 

Creatine monohydrate has consistently provided many benefits for me over the last 30 years. I swear by it and recommend it for everyone. 

As one of the most studied supplements out there, the amount of scientific research to support creatine monohydrate is beyond substantial. 

This new year, if you want to improve your strength, performance, and the ability to retain and build lean body mass, while enjoying the dozens of other benefits, consider adding in pure creatine monohydrate to your supplement stack for daily use.

Workout Considerations for the Fall and Winter Seasons

First fall workout uniform of the season. 

Heading into the arena to face the beast on a chilly dark night. 

From high heat and humidity to chilled coolness in the blink of an eye. 

The change in weather calls for changes in workout variables. 

Warming up and stretching are very important.

Warm ups will take me a little longer in the fall and winter months. 

I will lift a little lighter as it get colder. The joints and connective tissue are a priority with arthritis in colder weather. Lighter weight with higher volume will be in order. 

Dressing in layers to stay warm and running my gym’s space heater instead of the 5 fans will be an adjustment. 

Hydration has to be monitored more closely in the cold weather as you are less likely to drink as much water as you easily did in the hot weather. 

Arthritis and joint pain will be more of a problem due to the cold weather. Meds will be needed at different times and for pre and post workout. 

Summary:

Stay warm, dress accordingly 

Hydrate 

Longer warmups

Modify workouts as needed 

Address arthritis and joint pain accordingly 

Things to think about as the weather and seasons change into fall and winter.

One of the additional things that I use to reduce pain, and increase stability, strength, and performance is the NAP Heavy Lifting Mouthpiece. 

I’ve used it for over a year now and I love it. I was skeptical for a long time but now I’ve proven its value. I won’t workout without it now. It really helps a lot. 

Use the link below to get your NAP Heavy Lifting Mouthpiece to reduce pain and increase stabilization and strength during your workouts.

NAP Heavy Lifting Mouthpiece

The Girls Track Their Fat Loss with the Eros Smart Bodyfat Scale

The girls have both lost body fat and weight this week. They were quite pleased. 

We track their numbers every Friday using the Eros smart body fat scale and it’s free app. 

This scale provides 13 data metrics which allows you to meticulously track your BMR, BMI, body fat, weight, water level, lean body mass, fat mass, visceral fat, subcutaneous fat, bone density, metabolic age and more. 

You can store numerous profiles on the app so you can use it for your whole family or in my case, personal training clients. 

It really simplifies the data tracking and provides you with a lot of information. This allows you to take the appropriate actions to help you reach your goals. 

Inevifit has a variety of smart scales, food scales and meal prep kits.

You can use coupon code Eric to receive 20% off your order through my link below. 

Eros Smart Body Fat Scale

10 Important Steps for Effective Fat Loss

Today's topic is a common concern for many: fat loss! Losing fat can be challenging, but with the right steps, you can achieve your goals. So, let's dive into the 10 important steps for effective fat loss.

Step 1: Set Clear Goals

Firstly, it is crucial to set clear and realistic goals for yourself. Determine how much fat you want to lose and by when. Remember to make your goals specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.

Step 2: Create a Calorie Deficit

To shed fat effectively, you need to create a calorie deficit. This means consuming fewer calories than you burn in a day. Focus on a well-balanced diet that includes lean proteins, healthy fats, complex carbohydrates, and plenty of fruits and vegetables.

Step 3: Monitor Your Portions

Keep an eye on your portion sizes to avoid overeating. Use smaller plates, measure your food, and be mindful of your eating habits. By controlling your portions, you can manage your calorie intake more effectively.

Step 4: Incorporate Strength Training.  

Adding strength training to your routine is a game-changer. It boosts your metabolism, builds lean muscle mass, and helps you burn more calories even at rest. Aim for resistance exercises two to three times a week.

Step 5: Engage in Cardiovascular Exercise

Cardiovascular exercises such as running, cycling, or swimming are excellent fat burners. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity cardio per week to enhance your weight loss journey.

Step 6: Prioritize Sleep and Stress Management

Pay attention to your sleep and stress levels. Lack of sleep and chronic stress can hinder fat loss. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night and engage in stress-reducing activities like meditation or yoga.

Step 7: Stay Hydrated

Drinking enough water is often overlooked but vital for fat loss. Water helps to flush out toxins, aids digestion, and boosts your metabolism. Aim for at least 8-10 glasses of water per day.

Step 8: Limit Processed Foods and Sugars

Processed foods and added sugars can easily derail your fat loss progress. Opt for whole, unprocessed foods rich in nutrients instead. Focus on lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.

Step 9: Track Your Progress

Regularly track your progress to stay motivated. Take measurements, use a scale, or take progress pictures. This way, you can celebrate milestones and make necessary adjustments to your routine.

Step 10: Stay Consistent & Seek Support

Lastly, remember that consistency is key. Stick to your fat loss plan even when it gets tough. Surround yourself with supportive friends or join a community of like-minded individuals to stay motivated and accountable.

And that wraps up our 10 important steps for fat loss. Remember, it's about finding a sustainable lifestyle that works for you. Stay focused, stay positive, and soon you'll be on your way to achieving your fat loss goals. Stay healthy!

If you really want to get a jump start on achieving your goals, tracking your data is essential. My recommended tracking tool is the Eros Smart Body Fat Scale. 

This amazing smart scale tracks 13 data metrics and comes with a free mobile app. I use it weekly for myself and my clients.

Inevifit Eros Smart Body Fat Scale

Use coupon code ERIC to receive 20% off of your order through my link below:

http://www.inevifit.com?aff=266

What is Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) and Why Is It Important?

Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) refers to the amount of energy or calories that your body needs to maintain basic physiological functions while at rest. These functions include breathing, circulation, cell production and repair, and the maintenance of organ functions.

BMR is the energy expenditure required to keep your body functioning at rest, without any physical activity or digestion taking place. It is influenced by several factors, including age, sex, body composition, and genetics.

Factors that can affect BMR include:

Age: BMR tends to decrease with age due to a loss of muscle mass and a decrease in metabolic activity.

Sex: Men generally have a higher BMR compared to women because they tend to have more muscle mass.

Body composition: Muscle tissue is more metabolically active than fat tissue, so individuals with a higher proportion of muscle tend to have a higher BMR.

Genetics: Some individuals may have a naturally higher or lower BMR due to genetic factors.

Thyroid function: The thyroid hormone plays a significant role in regulating metabolism. Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) can lower BMR, while hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) can increase it.

To determine an individual's BMR, various equations have been developed, such as the Harris-Benedict equation and the Mifflin-St. Jeor equation. These equations take into account factors like age, sex, weight, and height to estimate an individual's BMR.

BMR is just an estimation of the energy requirements at rest and does not account for physical activity or digestion. To determine your total daily energy expenditure, you would need to consider your BMR along with the calories burned through physical activity and the thermic effect of food.

It is important to know the number values of all of the data associated with weight loss, fat loss, and muscle building. Otherwise you are guessing on most of it. Tracking your data is beneficial to your success. Many people consume far less than their BMR requirements daily. This can adversely effect your health, performance and body composition levels. 

In my many years as a trainer and coach, I have assisted dozens and dozens of people in achieving their body composition goals. The clients who were the most successful, in the least amount of time, were the ones who tracked and understood their data.  

Recently I acquired an Eros Smart Body Fat Scale from Inevifit. I started using it to track my own data as well as the weekly data of several clients. I simply love this smart body fat scale. The amount of data it provides you is impressive. This scale comes with a free APP and is connected via bluetooth. It uses bioelectrical impedance to calculate your numbers. 

You simply set the APP on your profile and stand on the scale barefoot for a short time. The data is then transmitted from the scale to the APP on your phone. You can save all of your data and use tracking charts on the APP to see your progress. The APP also allows you to create additional profiles for family members or clients.

The Eros Smart Body Fat Scale tracks the following metrics:

Weight, 

Fat Percentage, 

Muscle Mass, 

Water Percentage, 

Bone Mass, 

BMI, 

Visceral Fat, 

Metabolic Age, 

Basal Metabolic Rate.

This abundant amount of data gives you a very keen insight as to where you are at in relation to your goals. It also shows you what you are doing good on and where there is room for improvement. And it tells you your BMR. Another thing that I love about this scale is that it is simple to use and you do not have to write anything down or calculate any of the numbers. This scale does it all for you very quickly.

Inevifit has a variety of scale models to choose from that vary in price. I prefer the Eros Smart Body Fat Scale as it is the most capable. 

Watch my video below for a summary

If you want to check it out and get your own scale, you can use coupon code Eric for 20% off of your order through my link here:

Eros Smart Body Fat Scale

Get your own Eros Smart Body Fat Scale and start tracking your data as you speed towards your goals.

What is Functional Fitness?

Functional fitness training has different meanings and definitions depending on who you ask. 

My definition of functional fitness is when the training has a direct benefit of transfer to a skill or movement that you use in the daily life activities, leisure, sport, or work categories.

In this picture I am carrying in a package of water bottles from my car to the house. This was after carrying in all of my bags of groceries. The exercise equivalent of this activity are all versions of weighted carries. 

Weighted carries are a great exercise that work all major muscle groups, core stabilization, grip / forearm strength and cardio.

The direct transfer benefits are many but most obviously are seen in carrying in your groceries from your car to your house. 

This is just one example. 

Functional fitness is not in my opinion, crazy exercises that have no relevance to real life. 

There is nothing relevant or required of me to spend a lot of time doing inverted or handstand exercises as I never have spent anytime upside down doing anything except maybe briefly while scuba diving. But if you are a gymnast or CrossFit athlete then it becomes relevant. 

Depending on who you are and what you do, will determine what functional fitness is and its relevancy to your training and life. 

Don’t waste your time training on movements that have no relevance to anything in your life, unless you simply enjoy it and want to do it. 

Adapting as We Age in Fitness

I invested in a new set of equipment for the Iron Garage Gym. I got a set of adjustable steel squat heel wedges from the Tib Bar Guy. 

For years I refused to ever let my clients or myself use any type of raised heel wedge for squats. Developing full range of motion and flexibility used to be the deal. 

Now decades later, the old hip and back injuries are limitations that prevent full range of motion and reduce flexibility. So the options are to give up on squats and related exercises or find a way around the limitations. 

So the squat heel wedges allow me to stretch and squat in relative safety with decent range of motion. 

I’m starting out with TRX assisted squats to rebuild the core and leg strength to move on to other squat versions. 

You can find an excuse or find a way. 

I’m trying to find a way. 

Good solid product though, very pleased with my purchase.

Improvise, adapt and overcome.

Go hit the weights!

Meal Idea and Some Weight Loss Advice

Meal idea and some nutrition advice.

Baked chicken, avocado and green beans. 

Macronutrients: Chicken is the protein, avocado is the fat and the greens beans are fibrous carbs. 

Improper macronutrient ratio causes people many problems during their dieting or weight loss efforts. 

A simple example of a cultural norm / nutrition issue is the traditional southern meal practice of having a meat, starchy carbs and vegetables, plus desert, with no deliberate fat source. 

This example is high carb, medium/low protein and low/no fat. This could possibly be suitable for an athlete but it is a nightmare for someone who is dieting trying to lose body fat or “weight”. 

If you eat like this regularly, with a low activity level, and throw in some hormonal or thyroid issues, your weight loss efforts are for naught. This is very common. I’ve seen it a lot over the last 20 years. 

For fat loss or ”weight loss” you can simply fix the macronutrient content of the meal and start seeing results. 

Shift to high protein, medium fat, low carb and things will almost immediately change. Keep your carbs to mostly vegetables and go easy - like next to none, on the starches and sugar. 

Oh yeah might want to ease up on the after work 12 pack or bottle of wine every night. That throws a serious curve ball into the old diet bin. 

Drink more water over the course of the day. A good goal target is a gallon a day for most people. Make sure you intake electrolytes as well. Don’t drink too much, too fast, or you’ll risk injury in the form of hyponatremia which is when you flush out your electrolytes and sodium. It causes symptoms eerily similar to heat injuries and was misdiagnosed in the army for decades. 

Apply these concepts and see results in days, not weeks or months. I’ve had dozens of clients over the decades achieve ridiculous things in a week or two just by making these simple changes. 

But most people won’t do it. They stick to stupid stuff like starving yourself and doing hours of cardio. After all your doctor told you to eat less and exercise more right? 

Do the smart stuff and get healthy results or do the stupid stuff that they’ve brainwashed you with since the ‘50s, and become a worthy skinny fat diseased candidate for the FEMA death camps 😀.  Your call!

Make Time for Your Health or You Will Spend Time in the Hospital

Into the arena to face the beast on a cold dark Monday night. Monday night’s mission was 5x1 on the programming slate. 

So I did 135x10, 225x1, 235x1, 245x1, 255x1, 265x1. Had plenty left in the tank but stopped there for safety reasons. 

For many years, a lot of my personal training clients would tell me that they needed the accountability of having a trainer to meet at a certain time and if they didn’t have that then it would not happen. 

The majority of my long term clients moved away. Many found new trainers and continued the mission. A lot of people just descended back into a sloth life of laziness and atrophy gift wrapped in fat. 

Around town I occasionally see old clients who were once in great shape now looking not so fit. I often wonder what happened to these people. Why would you let yourself go like that? Everyone has their reasons or excuses. 

It’s a personal choice everyone has to make. If health, nutrition and fitness isn’t a priority for you, it’s you who will pay the price eventually. 

If you use the excuse of “I don’t have time”, eventually you will have time to be sick, in the doctors office or hospital. 

More than 6 out of 10 people in our country are overweight or obese. And most of those people have one or more comorbidity elements of metabolic syndrome.

I always tell people that the hardest and most important part is just getting to the gym. Get in there and do something, literally anything!

That’s always going to be better than nothing. 

Nothing leads to atrophy and decay, losing muscle and bone density while gaining fat. 

Get your ass in the gym and do something for your sake. If you can’t do it for yourself then do it for your family. 

And never let Monday win!

Kettlebells: A Timeless Strength and Conditioning Tool

I have been using kettlebells for the past 25 years. In 1998, I completed two kettlebell training courses on Fort Benning. 

The first one was hosted by the Ranger Training Brigade and the second one was through Troy University. Kettlebells have been a main component of my training program ever since. 

Last night I verified that kettlebells still kick my ass like they did 25 years ago. I can’t perform some of the dynamic exercises anymore like I could back then. But there are still many basic exercises which still work quite well. 

Training has to adapt to aging and physical limitations. Kettlebells are versatile enough to be used throughout a wide range of exercise progressions and regressions. 

They are a timeless strength and conditioning tool that can be used by all. I recommend kettlebell training for everyone. 

Review of the SMART Acronym for Goal Setting

The SMART Acronym is recommended for goal setting as it provides you with parameters that are more likely to lead you to adherence and success.

The SMART Acronym stands for the following:

S: Specific- your goal must be specific such as “I want to lose 10lbs.

M: Measurable - the goal must be measurable such as weekly weigh in’s and body composition assessments.

A: Attainable - the goal must be attainable. Example-Losing 10lbs is something that can be done. 

R: Realistic- the goal must be realistic. Losing 10lbs is more realistic than saying you want to lose 100lbs. 

T: Timely - the goal must have a time standard such as “ I want to lose 10lbs in the next 6 weeks”.

Check out the video description below.

Learn the proven principles of long term weight loss and healthy eating.

Get your copy of Simply Slim: Simple Secrets to Permanent Weight Loss here:

Eating in Threes is Still the Nutrition Win for Me

Dinner post fasting meal of steak, nuts and seeds and some vegetables. In my nutrition program I teach the concept of “eating in threes”. No dumbass not eating in trees. Koala bears do that. 😀 

Eating in threes simply means that you create your meals around the three main macronutrients of protein, fat and carbs. In this example the steak is the protein, the nuts and seeds are the fat and the vegetables are the carbs. And yes vegetables are fibrous carbs. 

Based upon your goals, you adjust the ratio of these macronutrients to meet your needs. For most people it is easier to understand and visualize this concept by using the plate method as shown here. 

Using this method of meal preparation allows your body to receive appropriate amounts of all three macronutrients based upon your goal. This also prevents huge blood sugar and insulin spikes and dips which cause a number of problems, especially around the diabetes and weight loss topics. 

Also getting in the appropriate amount of good fats allows your body to absorb and metabolize fat soluble vitamins and facilitates the mechanisms which oxidize storage fat while maintaining lean body mass. 

So figure out the healthy foods that you like in each category of protein, fat, and carbs. Then pick one from each category to create a meal. Repeat as necessary. There is your meal plan and now you know what has to go on your grocery list. Go get it, prepare it and eat it. Then hit the gym and start jacking steel. 

Do the work, reap the rewards. 

In the end it comes down to eating the right amount, of the right stuff, at the right time to support your goals. So go eat and hit the weights!

Eric Dempsey 

MS, NASM Fitness Nutrition Specialist,

NESTA Sports Nutrition Specialist 

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I lost 15.5lbs in 6 weeks. What was the secret?

So I hired a certified master trainer and weight loss specialist to help me combat my obesity problem. 

My BMI number indicated that I was in the obese category so I knew I needed to take action. 

6 weeks later I’ve lost 15.5 lbs. 

What was the program that I followed from this trainer? 

It was the “get off your ass and go workout and stop eating garbage” program. 

And who is this trainer?

It’s me of course. 

All kidding aside, I really have lost 15.5lbs over the last 6 weeks. This is the lowest weight I’ve been at in the last 5 years. 

The kicker is that this was not a deliberate weight loss program. It was just a side effect of what I was doing. 

Did I starve myself? No, I actually have been eating as much as I can including cheat meals. 

Did I follow a strict diet plan that focused on calorie deficit? Nope, I loosely did a paleo / keto meal plan with intermittent fasting. 

Did I do hours of long useless cardio? Nope, definitely not. I hit the weights. 

Was I trying to lose weight? Definitely not! 

So if you are having trouble losing weight, there are specific reasons which cause this difficulty. 

There are many variables that you have to look at such as total calorie intake, macronutrient ratios, sugar and sodium, high glycemic carbs, hormone issues, medications, stress and sleep, hydration, exercise type and frequency, and alcohol consumption. 

Odds are that you will find your problem and answer in the variables listed above. 

Stop eating and drinking crap, go eat healthy food and go hit the weights.

Should You Use Belts, Gloves, Sleeves etc…

Entering the arena to face the beast on a Monday night. Never Let Monday Win!

Putting on my armor before the great battle of the bench press begins. All of the gurus say you don’t need or shouldn’t train with gloves or gear of any kind. 

Real men or women don’t need such things. Only those who are weak use such things. 

Well, comrades, I’m here to tell ya that is BS. 

Had I been smart and not listened to the macho gurus and used this stuff or something like it 30 years ago, I wouldn’t have half of the problems that I have today. 

The real gurus were using stuff like this 30 years ago.

So I recommend using all of the gear in training to protect your body and enhance your performance. 

And the gear I use now, pictured, is worth its weight in gold to me. 

Train hard and protect yourself. There is nothing wrong with it. 

Even the CrossFit crowd got smart. There is nothing brave or bold about your hands being bloody pulp or your joints being destroyed. It’s just stupid. 

Train hard and smart. That’s how you win in the long game of life.

New Age Performance 6DS Heavy Lifting Mouthpiece 

How Often Should You Check Your Weight and Body Fat Percentage?

I did my weigh-in and I was checking my body fat percentage with my bioelectrical impedance device. I use an Omron, it's a standard BEI device you find in a lot of gyms and used by a lot of personal trainers, strength coaches and different fitness people. It's non-invasive and gives you a general ballpark figure on your body fat percentage. People always get wrapped up about the level of accuracy. 

The whole thing is to consistently do it like I do mine with my clients and myself. I try to do it every Friday at the same time between like three to six pm. That consistency using the same number is the whole goal. Is doesn't matter how accurate it is. I want to make the number go down. It is the same thing when I used to use skinfold calipers. 

Back in the day I also used the measuring tape, especially when I was a weight control NCO in the army. I used to run the weight control program and the remedial fitness program for the different companies I was in with the army. I've been doing this for a long time and I've tested a lot of people. 

I don't recommend checking it more than once a week and doing it at the same time, not every day. I'd take my clients and check them, for the past couple of decades on Fridays, at end of the week at the same time whatever their appointment time was. So they knew every Friday that they were checking their numbers. 

Once you see every your numbers every Friday and you're checking it consistently, that number is either going up or down. You can then make necessary adjustments for the next week. Don't worry about it week to week. Don't worry about it day to day because if you check the numbers every day you'll drive yourself insane. Your weight can easily flex two to five pounds up or down every day.

 

I get on my scale every day just to prove the point. Today my weight was like 233lbs. A couple of days ago it was 238lbs. I'm not trying to lose weight. I'm actually trying to gain weight so I'm failing miserably. The whole point is don't don't worry about it. Check your stuff consistently on a weekly basis and make the necessary adjustments after you get your numbers. Then hit the next week hard and you'll achieve victory. Stay at it my friends, be consistent, and never quit.

Watch the video here:

 

Calculate Your Calorie Requirements with the NASM Calorie Calculator

Many weight loss and fitness gurus tell you that you don’t have to track calories in or out. And when you are experienced in these things, you do not have to. 

But the average person is not experienced in these matters at all. There is a time and place for you to listen to your body and go with how you feel. A beginner starting a fitness and nutrition program doesn’t fit that scenario. You need data and the more the merrier.

While everyone tells you to simply eat less and exercise more, your body has a specific list of requirements in order for you to safely and effectively reach your goals. 

Calculating your calorie requirements is a way to sift through the madness and see what is really going on with you. 

There are numerous ways to calculate your calorie requirements. You can go old school and do it by hand using a formula and simple math. Or you can use one of the many online calculators or apps which are readily available. 

I like to do mine by hand and then spot check it with an online calculator. I use NASM’s online calculator on their website. 

NASM calorie calculator link:

https://www.nasm.org/resources/calorie-calculator

First I find out what my BMR or basal metabolic rate is. Your BMR is the baseline number of caloric requirements which you need to be able to be alive and functioning. I can guarantee you that most people’s BMR is more than 1200 calories. 

Here is my BMR. This is what I need to take in just to be alive. I won’t keel over and die if I don’t eat this much. But nothing good will happen if I’m under this amount consistently for any length of time. This is my first requirement. 

Then I have to determine my maintenance calories or total daily energy expenditure (TDEE).

Based upon a moderate activity level, my TDEE or maintenance calories are 3005. This is what I would consume to maintain my present body weight. 

But say I want to lose 5 pounds or a 3-5 % body fat, in the next certain number of weeks or months, then I have to calculate things based upon that goal. 

The calculator then takes into account your desired macronutrient ratio. 

Let’s say I’m going to use 40-30-30 for my macros.

I punch that in the calculator and designate a desired goal date. The calculator with then provide me with my “deficit calories” or what I need to cut down to. 

So I have to cut my intake down from my maintenance calories of 3005 to 2943. This is a massive 62 calorie drop. - (sarcasm). So now I know what I need to do. 

The important part of all this is that I need to know what I’m actually doing right now so I can tell if I need to increase or decrease my caloric intake to reach my designated numbers. 

As you can see, this is much more complicated than just “Eat less and exercise more”. And the caloric requirements are way higher than the “1200 calorie diet” my doctor would put me on to lose weight. 

Now here is the reality check. I have to track my numbers at least once a week so I have an idea of where I’m at. So after tracking a recent day’s calorie intake, I took in 2150 calories. 

This is way lower than my deficit calories of 2943. So I’m already in a deficit that is too big. And, (wait for it…), I have to eat MORE not less to reach my deficit calorie requirements. 

That’s what I struggle with daily. Eating enough of the right stuff at the right time is the challenge. Because clean healthy food is rich in nutrients but low in calories. So you gotta eat huge to meet your numbers. 

Never starve yourself or suffer on a diet again. Use this information and take charge of your nutrition plan. 

Bottom line is that the eat less and exercise more mantra, and the doctor’s 1200 calorie diet, are garbage. 

Eat the right amount of the right stuff at the right time in order to reach your desired goal. 

Eric Dempsey

MS, NASM Fitness Nutrition Specialist,

NESTA Certified Sports Nutrition Specialist,

NASM Weight Loss Specialist