With Complete Fitness clients, while there are a few non-negotiables, nutrition is viewed as a personal choice.
There isnt a worlds best diet but there is a diet which works best for you. If youre looking to make a big change to your diet, maybe even follow a specific diet plan, then here are 3 key points to consider:
Do you need a diet with a name?
No! Essentially if youre looking to lose weight you need to be in a calorie deficit (burning more energy than youre consuming). If you want to gain weight, you need to be in a calorie surplus.
The theory is simple, but the application can be difficult if youre not using all the tools in your toolbox. Fad diets can work because they all put you in a calorie deficit. But a lot of them do that in a way which isnt sustainable or necessarily healthy.
The areas below are the key elements that will bring the best results, and theyre not overly restrictive. One element on their own isnt a magic pill, but when put together, you will get great results:
- Being mindful of the calories coming in
- Cooking more from scratch/opting for less processed options
- Having at least 5 fruit and veg per day
- Ensuring you have enough protein
- Including essential fats
- Having carbohydrates and fats in ratios that feel right for you
Extreme restrictions can bring extreme results but often come with extreme side effects.
Plus, what happens when you reach your goal, how do you transfer to maintaining your results?
There is sometimes a case for extreme restriction but this should be a last resort.
For example, if a person is so overweight the health risk factors outweigh the potential side effects. Shake diets are an example of this.
Leave that decision to your doctor as a last resort.
Macronutrients are not the devil
People love to target one specific macronutrient (protein, carbohydrates and fats) and remove it from their diet, but each have their own benefits and some elements are essential.
The latest trend is cutting carbs. Again, this is an extreme action.
You may see some weight loss because you have removed a chunk of calories, (would be same with any other macronutrient group). You may feel other benefits because part of that will likely have been free sugars (think sugars with no nutritional value).
But equally, you will have cut out fibre. You may even be suffering with low energy, especially if youre working out.
Also, what is a life without carbs! Is long-term sustainability really achievable? Would more specific changes be more enjoyable, more sustainable and therefore get better results?
Youll now be equipped to ask the right questions when making a change to your diet.
See Ollie's other columns here:
See the original post here:
How to find the diet that works for you - West Sussex County Times
