Diet/exercise for leaner muscles

Question
Hi Tanya,

I'm 5'11 and 164 lbs. I recently just lost 10 lbs, most of it from my upper body. Being an athlete, the muscle in my thighs and quads are very large. I would like to lose another 20 lbs or so for a fashion show I have coming up in 2 months. How can I lose the muscle in my legs? I've heard fewer calories and long distance running. But what foods should I avoid/not avoid? Are there more exercises I can do besides long distance running and pilates? I would like slender supermodel-like legs.

Michelle

Answer
Hi Michelle,

You are right about long distance running, but for the result you want, it takes time: you need to make your muscle "dryer". Try to avoid high-calorie-density foods and limit your protein intake, which leaves you with mostly vegetables - soups, salads, whole grains, etc. Do not avoid goods fats such as olive and tree nut oils, avocados, nuts, and seeds.

To help you through your long distance, rinse your mouth with sweet drinks, but don't swallow. This way, you'll help your big muscles to release the stored carbs in the form of glycogen. Recent research showed that the sweet taste alone sends the brain signals to utilize the glycogen. Read about it here:
http://brainfuels.com/2010/05/the-brain-believes-the-sweet-taste-rather-than-met...

However, keep it in your mind that the only body part you can spot-slim is stomach, practically all other parts lose or gain weight more or less evenly unless there are serious hormonal changes.

Tanya Zilberter  

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