The Common Nutrition Mistake That Could Be Messing With Body Recomposition Results
Two goals, one plan
Body recomposition seeks to achieve two outcomes at once: losing body fat and gaining muscle. While those aims may seem at odds nutritionally, the article says the combination is possible.
That pairing can make it challenging to determine how to eat for both outcomes. One key question is how large a calorie deficit is appropriate.
Calories and food choices
Strategic nutrition planning begins with a balanced calorie goal. For recomposition, it also helps to look more closely at what those calories consist of. White says the specific foods matter, not just the calorie total. The article does not provide a recommended deficit size or further guidance on particular foods.
Expert background
Cori Ritchey, C.S.C.S., is the fitness editor at Women's Health. She is also a certified strength and condition coach and a group fitness instructor. Her reporting has covered health, nutrition, mental health, fitness, sex and relationships. Her work has appeared in Men’s Health, HealthCentral, Livestrong and Self, among other publications.
Key points
- Body recomposition combines fat loss with muscle gain.
- The right calorie deficit is a key planning question.
- A balanced calorie goal is a starting point.
- The type of calories matters as well as the total, White says.