The 3 steps to never having to 'diet' again
FOLLOWING A ‘DIET’ CAN BE ONE OF THE WORST FEELINGS WE EXPERIENCE IN OUR LIVES; HUNGER, CRAVINGS, LOW ENERGY, IRRITATED, DEPRIVED, ANTI-SOCIAL, FEAR OF MISSING OUT. THE WORST PART IS USUALLY THE FRUSTRATION THAT THE SUFFERING WASN’T WORTH IT WHEN THE DIET ENDS AND RESULTS ARE LOST. HERE ARE THREE STEPS TO MAKE SURE YOU DON’T EVER HAVE TO FEEL LIKE YOU’RE ON A ‘DIET’AGAIN…
It's fair to say that fat loss is a common goal amongst those who seek personal training.
The world we live in can make staying slim hard sometimes! Processed foods fill the shelves at every supermarket, and convenient apps deliver takeaways to our doors at the touch of a button. On top of this, more of us are working sedentary jobs than ever before.
Without preventative measures, these factors can quickly lead to weight gain. That's why it's vital that you focus on building healthy eating habits. Below are three tips that could help you do just that.
1 - Focus on Eating Whole Foods
It's hard to overstate just how important whole foods are. You'll find it nearly impossible to get all the nutrients your body needs from processed and packaged foods alone. On top of that, processed foods come loaded with both sugar and unhealthy fats. Because of this, they're much easier to overeat. Nearly all of us would admit we've overindulged on chips, chocolate or cake at some time in our life. How many of us can say the same for fruits and vegetables?
How to identify whole foods vs processed?
If it grows from the ground or on trees, is farmed, fished or hunted, it's probably a Whole Food.
If it's made in a factory, has ingredients you don't recognise on the label or comes pre-packaged, it's probably Processed.
2 - Prepare your meals ahead of time (food prep)
It's no secret that restaurants put plenty of sugar, oil and salt in their foods - it helps them sell more! Whilst this might be a good business strategy; it's not ideal for your waistline.
Losing weight is about establishing a calorie deficit, and it's much easier to do this if you make your own food. In addition to that, having healthy meals ready means, you'll be more likely to make the right choice when hunger strikes.
Food prep is the way to go! Pick a day > head to the supermarket > get everything you need > spend a few hours cooking > box up your meals.
Voila! You've just made eating healthy much more convenient.
“Losing weight is about establishing a calorie deficit, and it’s much easier to do this if you make your own food. In addition to that, having healthy meals ready means, you’ll be more likely to make the right choice when hunger strikes.”
3 - Eat more More Protein
Most of us undereat protein which is a big mistake, especially considering it's the most filling macronutrient. Studies have shown that when people focus on consuming more protein, they eat fewer calories throughout the day.
To get started, you should try incorporating protein into every meal of the day, yes, even breakfast! This change should result in more satiety and less snacking. Good sources of protein include poultry, fish, lean meats, eggs, pulses & legumes, nuts and dairy (if you tolerate it well). Depending on your goals, you could also consider consuming a good quality protein supplement.
If you can adopt these 3 steps into your daily and weekly lifestyle you will be well on the way to achieving the health and fitness results you have always wanted. Mastering nutrition based habits as a life long formula for success is far more important than a short term quick fix that will only lead to frustration down the track.