As human beings, most of us are constantly striving to be healthier, fitter, and in better shape. We work out, we eat right, and we try our best to treat our bodies like temples. But have you ever stopped to think about what your body’s primary purpose really is?
The answer is simple: survival. At all times, our bodies are striving to maintain homeostasis, to keep everything running smoothly so that we can continue to exist. This includes a process called metabolism, which is responsible for turning food into energy that our bodies can use.
When we find ourselves in a situation where we are consuming fewer calories than our body needs, we create what is called a caloric deficit. While this deficit may seem like a great way to lose weight and get in shape, it is important to understand that our bodies do not see it that way.
In fact, the moment we enter into a deficit, our bodies enter into a state of adaptation. Our metabolism slows down in an effort to conserve energy and ensure that we do not starve. This is a survival mechanism that has been ingrained in our DNA for thousands of years.
As such, being in a deficit for an extended period of time is not sustainable from a health perspective. Our bodies know this, and they will do everything they can to avoid dipping into our energy stores, also known as fat. After all, this reduces our survivability and goes against our primary purpose of staying alive.
It is important to understand that our bodies do not want to change, grow, or get better. They simply want to exist. This is why staying in a caloric deficit is so difficult – it goes against our basic instincts.
Of course, this is not to say that we should abandon our goals of being healthier and fitter. Rather, it is a reminder that we need to be mindful of what our bodies need in order to survive. By eating well, exercising regularly, and listening to our bodies’ signals, we can find a balance that lets us reach our goals without sacrificing our health and wellbeing in the process.
Our body’s primary purpose is survival. While we may have other goals and aspirations, it is important to remember that our bodies will always put their own needs first. By understanding this and working with our bodies, rather than against them, we can achieve the best possible results for our health and fitness.
