Why Eating Too Little and Training Too Much Could Be Holding You Back From Losing Weight

Let’s talk about a sneaky mistake I see all the time — especially from hardworking, go-all-in kind of people:

You’re eating barely anything, smashing workouts 5–6 times a week… and STILL not losing weight.😩

Sound familiar?

As a personal trainer and nutritionist based online and in Surrey, I see this pattern often — Trying to "earn" food or burn fat fast. But here’s the truth: more isn’t always better. And eating less doesn’t always equal losing more.

Let’s break down why that “all-or-nothing” approach might be backfiring on you.

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🚨 Your Body’s Not a Calculator — It’s a Smart Survival Machine

When you cut calories too low and train too hard, your body doesn't just sit back and keep burning fat.

It actually says:

“Hey! Something’s not right. Time to protect energy.”

This can trigger:

• A slower metabolism (your body adapts and burns less)

• Increased stress hormones like cortisol

• Muscle breakdown (yep — your body might burn muscle instead of fat)

• Extreme fatigue, poor recovery, mood swings, cravings... the list goes on

Your body thinks you’re in a famine and starts holding onto fat for safety. Not ideal, right?

🧬 Cortisol, Stress & Fat Storage Eating too little and training too much

When you're overtraining and under-eating, your stress hormones go through the roof — and cortisol in particular plays a huge role in fat storage (especially around the tummy).

You might feel wired but tired, struggle to sleep, and crave sugar — and still not see the scale move.

Stress = stalled fat loss.

🔥 Why Eating Enough Helps You Burn More

Eating a balanced amount of food — with enough protein, carbs, and fats — actually:

• Supports your metabolism

• Gives your body energy to train harder

• Preserves muscle (which helps you burn more calories long term)

• Reduces cravings and binge cycles

Muscle is metabolically active, which means the more muscle you maintain, the more calories you burn just living your life. (And you know I’m ALL about building strength!)

🧠 The Signs You Might Be Under-Eating and Overtraining

Here are some red flags:

• You’re constantly tired, sore, or moody

• You train hard but feel weaker or plateaued

• Your sleep is poor or you feel anxious/restless at night

• You’re not seeing changes in fat loss — even with a “perfect” diet

• Your period becomes irregular or disappears (for women)

If you nodded along to any of those, your body might be screaming for a reset.

🛠️ What To Do Instead

1. Fuel your body — especially around workouts

2. Lift weights to preserve muscle and support metabolism

3. Add rest days — your body grows and recovers when it rests

4. Track progress beyond the scale: strength, energy, mood, sleep, inches

5. Get support from a coach (🙋‍♀️ hey, that’s me!)

6. 
   

💬 Final Thoughts

You’re not broken — and you’re definitely not lazy. In fact, if anything, you’re probably doing too much.

The answer isn’t more punishment. It’s a smarter, more balanced plan that helps your body feel safe, supported, and strong.

If you’re ready to stop spinning your wheels and finally see real, sustainable results — I’d love to help. Eating too little and training too much

💬 Call to Action:

👉 Let’s chat. Contact me here for a free consultation or drop me a message. I’ll help you fuel smarter, train better, and feel incredible.