As a Personal Trainer, I get asked about following specific diets all the time. It is out of our scope of practice to write meal plans. Although it is not allowed, there are a lot PT's out there that will write you one. You have to understand that these PT's write you a meal plan according to what they are eating. They have followed this meal plan and have succeeded. Does it work for you? Maybe...
Would you enjoy it? Probably not.
Do you see results? Probably.
Is it sustainable? Probably not.
We are so quick to follow the latest 'fad diet' or follow a meal plan that our Personal Trainer (often without any sort of nutrition qualification) has given us. We count calories, measure our food and are obsessed about food. Don't worry, I have done this plenty of times.
We have completely lost our connection with food that nourishes us. I have recently read "The Plant Paradox" and it gave me a whole different perspective about food.
(I highly recommend reading this book) This book made me realise what 'crap' I put in to my body. Being bloated was a part of life for me.
Since reading this book, I have stopped eating processed food. I have increased my veggie intake and have also stopped 'over eating'.
So what are you suppose to be following?
Look, I need to give you nutritional advice according to the Australian guidelines. It doesn't mean that I agree with this.
Here are five tips to make your diet a little easier
Because hey, a diet is a diet. A diet is not just connected to fat los. Your diet is literally what you are eating.
1. Cook your own food. Cutting, chopping, smelling, boiling is an experience. This is connecting to your food. You know what goes in to your body.
2. Write down what you eat. You could do this in MyFitnessPal or just simply on a piece of paper. Whatever your goal may be, you might have a complete wrong vision of how much food you consume. I also think it is important to see if we feel bloated on specific days where we consumed a certain food. It makes it a lot easier to track to see how we feel and what could possibly upset us.
3. Keep it simple. I am definitely not the best chef out there and cooking complicated dishes actually stresses me out. Have a balanced but satisfying meal.
4. Plan ahead. Have you ever been in the supermarket completely stressed out because you're unsure what to eat? You end up with a block of chocolate or a packet of chips. We have all done it. Write a list and only go to the supermarket once or twice per week. This way you save money too! :)
5. Focus on your food. Don't eat in front of the TV and put your phone away. It sounds silly, but you have to give 100% of your attention to your food. You will eat until you're satisfied. This comes back to the connection with your food.
As you might be aware, all my tips are behavioural tips. It is all about the action you undertake and connection you have with your food.
If you have any questions about this feel free to send an email to themoodlifter@gmail.com
