Ditch The Diet Mindset

I think one of the most common questions I get asked as a nutrition coach is about what I eat…as if I hold the secret key to health and success. To be honest, what I eat is what is good for my body, but also what I like to eat (yes, even “treats”, though I hate that label), and that may not be the same for someone else. I find clients are most often surprised to know that I do enjoy foods that may not be considered “healthy”and I do consume them, but in moderation. What’s even more interesting is that when I give clients a meal plan, they are often surprised to see that it’s not some restrictive plan that eliminates certain foods or entire food groups. I believe as a culture, people are so conditioned to believe that in order to be healthy or to lose weight, it’s necessary to restrict calories and/or major food groups, and that’s just not the case. All that does is leave you feeling frustrated and hungry!

The diet industry is a billion, yes that’s billion with a “b”, dollar industry and is constantly growing as people look for that quick fix to lose weight and get healthy. Pills and shakes and supplements can try to make claims, but they are unfounded and not backed by valid research or results. Likewise, what most people find is that following restrictive diets that rely on hard-to-stick-to rules are often difficult for the body to align with long term, not to mention trying to maintain those restrictions usually leads to a binge, and a return to old habits.

It’s time to change our language and our mindset around food and “dieting” in general. The way we talk and think about food and our food choices, and the perception of our bodies can definitely affect personal thoughts and emotions, and then ultimately our actions. I always like to have clients look at foods and how they eat them as nourishing, satisfying, fueling and enjoyable versus saying this food is bad or good, healthy or unhealthy, I can have it/can’t have it, and so on.

Such words and perceptions only fuel negative thoughts and behaviors and can lead to a distorted body and health image as well.

In the end, the best thing you can do for yourself is to ditch the dieting mindset, and instead-look at making sustainable lifestyle changes, such as learning to pay attention to hunger cues…eating when hungry and stopping when comfortably full… and acknowledging cravings but eating those foods in moderation. When you start taking a personal approach to your health journey and listening to what’s best for you, then you will find you meet your individual needs and the end result will be a happier, healthier you!

If you are looking to get started on your health journey and have no idea where to begin or the first step, I am here to help! I have 5 spots open right now for nutrition coaching and I would love to help YOU! Spring is finally here and everyone is ready to shed those winter habits (and pounds) so grab your spot before it’s gone!

Book your Free Nutrition Intro session now!

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