The perfect diet
It's the new year and it's tempting to start a new diet.
Are you one of those people who has searched for the perfect diet and gets excited hearing about a new one?
The idea that a perfect diet is out there and you just haven’t found it, is extremely attractive.
I am guessing, if you are like me, you’ve probably read quite a few books or even purchased different weight loss programs. Even mine!
The perfect diet in its most simplistic form is outlined in my program, and I'll lay it out here for you again.
What food plan can you stick with long-term that feels easy, doable, enjoyable, makes your body feel good, and results in you being at your ideal weight?
I know… not what you wanted to hear. We want someone to just tell us the magic trick. But have you noticed that someone telling you what to eat makes you want to rebel? I'm guessing at some point in the dieting game you have rebelled.
Beings I was born a rebel, I do not agree with someone else telling you what your body thrives on. Only you can make that call.
AND, you can only make that call if you heal the relationship with yourself by listening to what your body is saying.
Not your brain, your body.
In my program I always tell my clients, create a food plan with their best guess. I know you have lots of information regarding what has worked or not because I know this isn’t your first rodeo. (But if it is, then below is a list of my favorite books on diets.)
Now stick with that plan you guessed at for at least 2 weeks and see how you feel. Ask yourself if this is sustainable? Maybe some parts are sustainable but not others. Take those parts out, create another plan, and try it for at least 2 weeks.
This is how you find the perfect diet for you.
Now the hard part. Addressing all the mental and emotional chatter that comes up during this process.
It’s too hard.
Nothing worth having is easy. Smooth seas don’t make a skilled sailor. This is the time to develop resilience and self-compassion.
This will take so long!
What else are you going to do? Go on and off diets for the next 10 years? Aren’t you ready to be done with this struggle? This is how you end it. Keep going!
Why do I have to struggle with this?
Because everyone does. No one can eat processed food long-term without health risks. Yes, you read that right. Everyone. Most people are so used to feeling bad they don’t know what feeling good is like.
I am so overwhelmed I don’t know where to start!
Humans overcomplicate things to avoid starting. It’s not complicated. Use an app like my fitness pal or NOOM. Follow that and see how you feel. Use that information to begin to get to know yourself.
This process can take a while to truly find your eating groove, sort out the thought drama, and rewire your brain. Please take it easy on yourself.
It takes time to discern what is emotional eating and habitual eating vs. chemical, biological, or hormonal influences.
I have a few books and authors that I think may help you find your perfect plan.
Ten principles on Intuitive eating
Intermittent fasting
If I’m so smart, why can’t I lose weight?