The Simplest Way to Stay Lean Forever (as a Natural)

2 min read 1 month ago
Published on Jul 24, 2024 This response is partially generated with the help of AI. It may contain inaccuracies.

Table of Contents

How to Stay Lean Forever: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Understand the Difference Between Lean and Shredded

  • Lean: Visible abs, low double digits body fat, enough muscle definition to look athletic and aesthetic.
  • Shredded: Extremely low body fat, which can lead to negative consequences such as decreased energy levels, lower testosterone, low mood, low libido, and potential development of eating disorders.
  • Aim to stay lean rather than shredded for long-term health and sustainability.

Step 2: Build Muscle First

  • Prioritize building muscle before focusing on getting lean.
  • Having more muscle makes it easier to stay lean as it increases your resting metabolic rate and allows you to consume more calories without gaining fat.

Step 3: Practice Intuitive Eating

  • While tracking calories and macros can be useful for fat loss, aim for intuitive eating in the long run.
  • Experiment with different foods to find a balance that keeps you feeling full while maintaining your weight.
  • Focus on whole, unprocessed foods with occasional indulgences.

Step 4: Consider Your Energy Levels Holistically

  • Energy levels impact your ability to train, recover, make decisions, and resist cravings.
  • Besides calories, consider the nutritional content of your diet, rest, and other factors that affect energy levels such as testosterone levels.

Step 5: Enjoy Your Training

  • Find resistance-based and cardio-based activities that you enjoy to maintain a lean physique.
  • Engage in activities that you find fun and fulfilling to stay motivated and consistent with your workouts.

Step 6: Use Extra Calories Wisely

  • Instead of trying to burn off excess calories quickly, use them for muscle-building purposes.
  • Focus on achieving a hypertrophy stimulus through extra sets or weightlifting to make the most of the surplus calories.
  • Consider adding some extra cardio after weight training if needed, but prioritize resistance training for body composition goals.

By following these steps and incorporating them into your lifestyle, you can maintain a lean physique in a sustainable and healthy manner for the long term. Remember to prioritize your overall health and well-being while striving for your fitness goals.