7 Principles To A Better Physique

As adapted from Tom Venuto's book The Body Fat Solution

In his best-selling book The Body Fat Solution, Tom Venuto espouses simplicity over novelty and sustainable, real-world solutions to weight-loss and weight-management.  Many diets that restrict certain foods, or focus too closely on isolated nutrients, hormones, "magic bullets" are cast aside in favour of simple lifestyle changes.  The big picture is "synergy", and your success depends upon a "total-life approach that addresses all of the true root causes of the body fat problem in every area of your life - physical, mental, emotional, and social."
The causes of obesity make it a complex issue, but the physiology of body-fat is actually quite simple.  It is nothing more than energy balance.  Fat metabolism is an intricate area of study, but "you don't need to understand electricity to light your home, you only need to flip the switch".  It's amazing to me that most people I meet know intuitively how to lose weight; they just start eating less.  They are correct in their conclusion, but seldom successful in execution.  I know I need lumber and nails to build a home (a permit helps too), but that knowledge is useless without the blueprints.  I'm here to tell you that you don't need to be an expert to understand these blueprints, you just have to be willing to follow them.

In the introduction to his book, Tom remarks on how he built his own physique following a short list of crucial principles.

1. Nutrient-dense food
   
2. Carefully controlled calorie intake
   
3. Progressive resistance training
   
4. The right dose of cardio
   
5. A mind focused on well-formed goals
   
6. Strong emotional drive
   
7. A great support system of friends, training partners, and mentors
   

I will attempt to expand on these points on a weekly basis.