Frequently Asked Questions
If you can't find the answer to a question already answered here, be sure to reach out to me.
1. Do I need to diet as well as exercise, or will exercise alone give me good results?
In order to achieve optimal results, it's important to fuel your body with the food you need — especially while on an exercise program. Exercise actually increases appetite for many people, which is why it's important to eat food that nourishes your muscles as they grow. Eating food that doesn't nourish your body correctly can actually make you gain weight, which is likely the exact opposite of what you are looking for. I understand that changing your eating habits can be challenging, and though I may recommend restricting specific foods for a temporary amount of time, all of my plans implement food that is delicious and filling. I do not believe in starving oneself to lose weight.
2. DO I NEED TO EXERCISE OR CAN I JUST DO the EATING PLAN?
While you may be able to lose weight on diet alone, it's imperative to implement movement and exercise to ensure that you don't also lose muscle and strength. There are practical reasons for keeping your body strong, especially as you age. From a purely aesthetic perspective, getting stronger while you are getting leaner will also give you more of the toned look that many are looking for when they try to lose weight.
3. Why Do you Use MACROS WITH YOUR NUTRITION PLANS?
Changing your eating habits includes much more than calories in, calories out. We want to make sure that you are eating food that nourishes your body and accelerates weight loss. This is where macronutrients (macros) come into play. Macros include: carbohydrates, fat, and protein. I will often create a low carbohydrate macro plan for new clients, which can be incredibly effective for losing weight. Research on low carb approaches have been prolific over the past two decades and have proven that low carb eating plans are safe in the short term. I often start clients on a temporary low carb (or keto) macro plan to start, especially if they have never tried doing it in the past. Even if they have previously tried it, they may have not had all the information needed to make it work. When low carb plans are done correctly, they can work like magic as the fat melts off in a matter of weeks. I don't believe people should stay on a low carb plan in the long term (unless they are dealing with a specific condition and are instructed to do so from their doctor). I am not anti-carbs or dogmatic against them (like many other programs can be). My approach actually reintegrates additional carbohydrates, especially as participants increase their strength and fitness level through our workout programs. Macros like carbs and protein are necessary in the long run for those wanting to build muscle, increase performance, and improve overall wellbeing. Be sure to check with your doctor before starting any nutrition and workout program.
4. What If I Don't Want To Do A Low CarB?
If you don't want to use a low carb approach, you don't have to. There are multiple ways to lose weight through dietary changes and macronutrient approaches. In other words, there is more than one way to "slim" a cat. We can create a plan that utilizes a classic low fat approach or one that implements high protein intake, while allowing for plenty of "good" carbs that are high in fiber and nutrients. This is actually where I hope all of my clients end up, even if they start on one of our temporary low carb macro plans. The goal is to eventually implement additional carbohydrates until one eventually reaches a more balanced diet.
5. WHAT IF I WANT TO QUIT MY PROGRAM?
If you are paying month-to-month, you are free to cancel anytime. All monthly subscriptions are processed through PayPal and you will be given a link that you can use to cancel at any time. Packages, however, are not refundable — if you paid for a 3-month package upfront, we are not able to issue a refund.
6. Do I need to purchase expensive equipment or have an exercise room to train at home?
No. I try to make things as cost-effective and practical as possible. There are a few pieces of inexpensive equipment that I will often recommend. However, at a certain point, you may outgrow the equipment you have and may want to graduate to something more challenging. At that point, I may suggest joining a local gym (such as Planet Fitness, which is only $10 per month). From that point, I can program your workout based on what equipment you have available at your local gym.
7. How long will it take before I see results?
Most of my clients begin to see results within 3-4 weeks, if not sooner. In fact, it is often their friends and family that notice results first! However, your results will also depend on your individual "baseline" fitness level, your genetics, and how much you adhere to the program. People often notice that they feel better before they notice changes in the mirror. Drastic results often take months to achieve. Slow and steady wins the race.
