More MMA Weight Loss Tips

Martial Arts in RaleighWelcome back to our continued look at MMA and weight loss. In our previous post, we examined some quick ways to cut weight in the days before a fight and how reducing calorie intake can help you lose weight and keep it off through training. As we continue to look at how MMA can help you manage your weight, we take a look at a few tips that you may not have considered. When you’re searching for the best martial arts in Raleigh, make the call to Gracie.

Change Up Your Diet
If you feel like your weight loss has plateaued or you aren’t losing as quickly as you would like to be, take a look at what you’re eating. Sodium is a sneaky ingredient that is in many of the sport nutrition supplements and foods that athletes use each day. While this is usually in the food to make you thirsty so you will hydrate or to enhance the taste, sodium makes you retain water. Water weight can account for an additional two to three pounds. Lowering sodium by skipping these packaged foods and opting for raw snacks like fruits and vegetables can help you reduce the amount of water weight you’re carrying around. Some sports nutritionists recommend only eating foods that can be eaten in their raw forms like fruits, nuts, and vegetables. Other experts suggest choosing a high protein diet with few carbohydrates. Figuring out which nutrition plan works best for you will involve some trial and error. Consulting a dietitian in your training plan can be extremely helpful and can help you break through those frustrating plateaus quickly and safely.

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
Your body needs water. Drinking water helps your body work properly. When you are dehydrated your digestive process slows, and your body begins to over produce a hormone called aldosterone. When this hormone is released your body begins to retain water. Keeping aldosterone in check by staying hydrated helps reduce your weight. Another hormone that is directly affected by your hydration is vasopressin. By controlling the rate at which your body uses water, vasopressin is continuously monitoring your blood and helping your body sweat and adjust accordingly. If you’re adequately hydrated your hormones are working together as they should, but if you’re dehydrated the vasopressin in your blood is going to slow down your ability to sweat and get rid of that water.

Weight management is one of the most crucial components of MMA. Achieving the weight you want is possible with the right combination of nutrition and training. Working with your coaches and a nutritionist can give you the competitive advantage you’re looking for. When it comes time to weigh in for your fight, you’ll be ready.

Affordable Mixed Martial Arts in Raleigh

At Gracie Raleigh, our martial arts in Raleigh prepares you for the mental and physical aspects of the fight. Training is conducted by experienced martial arts instructors who offer you private or semi-private settings to train in. Combining strength, focus, and dedication is the winning formula for MMA fighters, and Gracie Raliegh can help you find the right balance to achieve your goals and be successful in the octagon.

Want to learn more about our MMA training program? Are you ready to get started? Call or come to the gym and see why Gracie Raleigh has produced some of the most successful MMA fighters in the area. We proudly offer classes in many martial arts disciplines for the entire family. Get started with your training today!