'Greener Grass' Syndrome: The Reality in a Fitness Journey

In the dynamic world of fitness and health, we've previously discussed how our bodies can be categorized into three distinct types: ectomorph, endomorph, and mesomorph. These classifications play a significant role in determining what you need to do to reach your fitness goals. Today, we're delving deeper into the practical aspects - what you know should be done versus what's often happening in reality.

Have you ever felt like all your hard-earned progress vanished because you couldn't resist that one cheat meal? It happens to the best of us. However, If you're naturally thin and starting your fitness journey, you might have the luxury of indulging in occasional treats without severe consequences. Your body type allows it.

But... if fat sticks to you like a magnet, the same leniency cannot be extended. Your journey often involves strict dietary restrictions, limited snacks to options like yogurt, low-calorie makhana, and salads. 

What works for a naturally thin person might not work for you. Embrace this reality, and you'll be better equipped to work with it.

It's easy to forget this truth when faced with temptations. Most people struggle with restraining themselves from eating the wrong foods, which is why many fall short of achieving their desired physique. This is why being consistent at a fitness routine is not the same as achieving your transformation goal! One requires you to just show up and the other depends upon what your lifestyle (eating habbits and recovery) after every workout. 

Now, where do you want to stand in this journey? There's a common belief that it's easier to gain muscle on a thin body than to cut and shape up, but this isn't entirely true. If you have a naturally skinny physique, you can indulge in occasional junk food, but building muscle requires dedicated effort. It may involve consuming significantly more calories than you're used to, for example a 55-60kg 6ft individual would need approx 300g of meat, 300g vegetables, 5-10 eggs, 1 fruits, 1-2 cups of rice and maybe essential supplements (whey glutamine etc) This is what it takes even if your skinny and you want to look like the person who can fit into anything perfectly and be a sculpture. 

If you don't get creative with your meals, you might eventually find yourself force-feeding just to meet your calorie goals or worse, just quit. Within 60 secs you will find a financial excuse, work reason, dig up some problem which needs you "to eat junk" for your "mind to feel better". 

For those struggling to shed fat, counting calories, incorporating extra cardio, finding alternatives for cravings and strengthening your mental resolve are crucial steps. On the other hand, hard gainers, like myself, must learn to include calorie-dense foods in their diets, even if it means embracing foods they previously disliked.

Achieving your fitness goals often requires enduring tough times beyond the post-workout soreness, the workout discipline and the diet. 

Mental strength plays a critical role in staying strong when results don't appear as quickly as you'd like. Patience and determination will define your success on this journey. 

Wait 12 weeks without going on a holiday, skipping meals, drinking alcohol for you to conclude that a plan works well for you or not. Without this you'll never know if your body truly doesn't respond or your lifestyle wont allow it. 

Accept how you respond to food and training. Whether you're on a mission to shed pounds or build a physique, your body type is just the starting point. 

Here's to your journey! Good Luck