I’m truly grateful! I received some great words of encouragement after my last post! Thank you!
I also had some questions come in about my 45-pound weight loss journey. I’ll be happy to answer each question in a separate post in the coming weeks, in order to help you with your own journey.
Question #1: What’s the best diet? What’s the best nutrition plan to lose weight?
I get this question all the time.
QUICK ANSWER: They all work if you’re on it LIFELONG… Whether it’s Keto, Intermittent Fasting, Atkins, Paleo, or eating wholesome foods. Realistically, we’re already on a nutrition plan, whether it be maintenance, weight gain, or weight loss. Sure, your current eating plan may be random and unintentional for some, but your body decides what plan you’re on, depending on our daily, weekly, and monthly eating habits.
BEST ANSWER: The best diet is the one that does not have a set start date or set end date, and one that doesn’t torture you! If you’ve been following me and my business, you’ll know that we’re very good at getting clients results. In particular, we’re known for our 21 day, 4 week, and 6 week challenges. We were one of the very first fitness programs offering such challenges in our area.
I have a confession to make…I was doing it wrong. As I grew as a fitness professional over the years, I’ve discovered such challenges set people up to fail…Sure many saw great results, but some would gain the weight back after…
Here’s What I discovered….
If you put a ‘start’ and an ‘end’ date to your nutrition plan, you’re really setting a start date to start failing again…☹
With our ‘challenges’ now, we’ve evolved to include step by step goals with building ‘habits’ to build upon each week. Our challenges have evolved into a ‘behavioral modification’ program with the goal of developing lifelong new habits.
Some may think, ‘but a challenge, will motivate me to get started’. However, there are a few things to consider.
- Suddenly doing a 360 on your diet by eating clean, will shock your body, creating unbearable withdrawal symptoms. Sure it may be only 21 days, but it sets you up to fail and restart your previous ‘diet’, once you’ve completed your 21 days.
- Changes must be gradual. Let’s think about this further. It took you maybe 2, 5, or even 10 years to gain this weight. To reverse this weight gain and lose this weight in 21 days or 6 weeks, is unrealistic, wouldn’t you say? Why torture yourself?
- The nutrition plan that helped you lose your first 10 pounds, won’t necessary work to help you lose your next 10 pounds. Your body adapts and is very resilient to change. It wants to maintain homeostasis. Each 10-pound weight loss requires a new strategy.
Don’t get me wrong. I’m excited when anyone embarks on their journey of fitness and health. However, I’m excited for what clients can do in 6 month, 12 month, 1 year, and 2 years+. After all, being fitness and healthy is a lifestyle.
5 Tips to Help You Succeed
1. Beware of nutrition plans. What’s worked for someone, will not necessary work for you. Your goals, your starting point, is unique to you.
2. Assess where you currently are. How many times a day are you eating? What is your average daily macro-nutrient count? How much water are you consuming? What’s your current bio feedback: energy, hunger level, stress level, mood, libido? Yup, all these bio feedback factors are related to your nutrition.
3. Changes to your nutrition plan must be gradual. If you’re eating 2 meals a day, and you’re told to eat 5 meals a day, your body will only go into shock. Start with eating 3 meals a day. Then in 2 to 4 weeks, reassess. Consider your bio feedback.
4. Don’t get caught up in counting calories. It’s not all about calories. Assessing your daily and weekly macro-nutrient count is a better strategy. How much carbohydrates, protein, and fats are you consuming?
5. Enjoy your favourite your foods. Have that ‘treat’ meal each week. However, be honest with yourself. Have you been at least 80% compliant with your nutrition and goals? Your nutrition doesn’t have to be perfect, but it needs to be consistent. Ultimately, our body will tell you if you’ve been compliant. 😊
Start with the above 5 tips to take the first step towards your goals! If you have any questions, don’t feel shy to reach out!
-Sammy Noh