How to Lose Weight – The Nigerian Edition (backed by research)

If you’re a Nigerian wondering how to lose weight, you will find the answer in this article.

Before we get to the point, I want to mention what this article is not.

This is not an article about

• how to lose weight fast
• how to lose weight in a week
• how to lose weight without any effort

…or any other gimmicky idea that will get your hopes up but not deliver anything of value.

This article is about the core principle of weight loss.

This is something that will help immensely once you master it. 

And, conversely, it can cause major struggles if you don’t.  

I just wanted to clear that up so that everyone reading can be aware of what this is about.

I’ve added the emphasis on Nigerians in this blog post for a reason.

As Nigerians, we face unique challenges with weight loss.

For instance

• Our foods are traditionally very high in calories
• Weight lifting and intense workouts are not “lady like”
• Potbellies are the ultimate sign of good living, etc.

I don’t condemn any of these aspects of our culture.

I mean, a potbelly usually is a sign of good living Lol

I only mention these issues to illustrate the point that the Nigerian culture presents unique challenges to weight loss. 

All that being said, here’s how to lose weight.

Get into a calorie deficit.

That’s it.

A calorie deficit means that you burn more calories on average than you consume.

Here’s the research explaining more: study, study, study, study

If you remember this one principle, you will always be in full control.

And when you are in control, you can lose the weight.

There are many ways to ensure that you’re in a calorie deficit so that you can lose weight.

You can:

• Develop a jogging routine
• Do high intensity interval training (HIIT) a few times a week
• Eat more protein and fewer carbs
• Eat smaller portions
• Lift heavy weights (with proper form) at the gym

The secret is to understand the principle.

Which is, get into a calorie deficit and you will lose weight.

Don’t believe the hype with all these gadgets and gizmos.

This principle is simple but it’s not easy.

There are many things that make it difficult to do.

But there’s a mental shift that happens when you suddenly realize that you don’t have to go to the gym.

You don’t have to diet if you don’t want to.

Once you understand that all you have to do is get into a calorie deficit, you see that you have options.

You feel empowered to choose the options that work for you.

And once you get to that place of empowerment, there is nothing that can stop you.

You will lose the weight.

I hope this gives a new perspective on how to lose weight. 

This post is not about the tactics (eat vegetables, exercise, etc.).

It’s about the strategy.

And once you understand the strategy, the tactics are much easier to handle. 

So, how do you know if you’re in a calorie deficit?

The best way to know if you’re in a calorie deficit is to track your calories.

Research has established that most of us eat more than we think we do. (study, study)

When you track your calories, you know – without a doubt – how much you’re eating.

Once you know how much you’re eating, you can then adjust your calories up or down to make sure that you’re in a deficit. 

My personal favorite calorie tracking tool is Lose It. 

I’ve also heard good things about My Fitness Pal.

The Bottom Line

The core principle behind ALL weight loss plans is simply to get into a calorie deficit. 

Although it’s simple, it’s by no means easy.

However, once you understand that it is within your power to reach a deficit, you will be well on your way to amazing weight loss success!