Have you been swapping and changing between various kinds of diets?
If you are like many others, you might have tried Keto, high protein- low carb. Then at some point whole-food plant-based, then the Starch Solution and Intermittent Fasting and so forth.
And after swapping and changing and searching for the ONE AND ONLY best plan, many still haven’t found what they’re looking for. (That reminds me of the old U2 song)
Often, none seem to bring lasting results rapidly enough.
The reasons you start with one eating regime and then soon go on to the next may be different for everybody.
For instance, you’re not losing as much weight as you expected. [Might this be related to unrealistic expectations?]
Or
Your friend persuaded you that her plan is better.
Or
You simply can’t keep going with that restrictive eating plan anymore. It’s driving you crazy
Do you ever wonder if there’s one that is MUCH better compared to another?
After scientists looked at different plans, they came to the conclusion that there’s not a specific one that’s better than another.
And when comparing low carb to low-fat plans, six months to one year into an eating regimen, most plans’ outcomes are practically the same.
After the initial impressive fluid losses on a low carb plan, they all offer similar results.
But regardless of which you end up using, the fundamentals should remain the same.
1) Namely we need to take in fewer calories than our body needs to remain at its current weight.
2) It should be enjoyable and healthy so we can stick with it and make it our forever eating plan.
You already know that crash dieting causes weight loss, but it’s an unsatisfactory one: besides missing out on nutrition, the minute you relax your calorie intake, the weight returns.
And usually with a vengeance. Often you regain more than you have lost.
So what should you be looking for when choosing the next plan?
Find one that’s nutritionally balanced and isn’t a ‘fad diet’.
After all, you don’t wish to get sick and end up with a health condition you could have avoided.
If you like a lower-carb plan and it keeps you fuller for longer, fantastic. Just make sure it offers the recommended daily fibre intake. (They are generally low in fibre.)
If you feel more comfortable using the Starch Solution, that’s ok too.
With high carb diets, check that you cover your daily protein needs to prevent deficiencies.
The minimum recommended intake is 0.83g per kilo of healthy body weight or goal weight.
This means if you weigh 80kg yet ought to weigh 65kg, aim to be nearer to the 65 than 80.
But even those figures won’t work for everybody. Weight loss experts suggest that a figure nearer to 1g to 1.2g per kilo bodyweight could be more beneficial.
Others suggest totally different amounts. Here’s a protein calculator for a bit of fun
Nonetheless, I return to the first suggestion that you need to create a calorie shortfall so your body uses its own fat stores for energy, AND you ought to enjoy it.
Plus it should not harm your health.
Here are additional tips on what to look for:
*Choose minimally processed foods. They are much better for you.
*Get enough sleep and de-stress or else your weight loss and weight gain hormones change and that could slow things down.
*Engage is exercise because it helps you to stay fit and healthy and gives you a better shape.
And whilst using your new plan, put on your detective hat and get out the magnifying glass. Analyse what’s going on.
See if you can tick off this following checklist, one by one, making sure you’re on the right track:
1) You are seeing results. Weight loss may be slower than you’d wished for, however you can do up your jeans much easier.
2) You don’t fall off the wagon regularly.
Falling off the wagon can happen because you’re too hungry or the plan is way too restrictive or boring.
3) You find it easy to eat at social get-togethers and can choose suitable foods in any situation. But if your plan is too weird then socialising becomes a real pain.
4) Last but not least, when you eat this way, you feel better.
You notice improved energy levels, a stable mood and your eyes and skin look clear…not as if you are suffering from a massive hangover.
If you cannot tick off most of the above points, most likely the plan isn’t right for you.
Now let us choose one that’s better.
Obviously, it’s got to be suitable for any health condition you may have. [Type 2 diabetes, PCOS, IBS etc]
Don’t fall for gimmicky plans or big promises.
It should be flexible because ‘life happens’.
Following regimented plans where each meal must be ‘just so’ can be stressful and is not sustainable.
Then think about past attempts. Were there parts of it you really enjoyed?
Maybe you could incorporate those into your new plan.
Ensure it can be used long term and helps to retrain your eating habits. [Although it might be still far away, it’s important for future weight maintenance]
Dr. Christopher Gardner, the lead author of the low carb vs. low-fat study regarding weight management:
The people most successful in keeping their weight off “changed their relationship to food”.
Just like looking for a life partner, find a solid plan that’s enjoyable and fun and one you can follow for a lifetime. Not just for a short term fling LOL 😂
And of course, I am hoping that our whole food plant-based plan is exactly what you were looking for.
It’s simple to follow and flexible. You can easily adjust it to fit into your lifestyle.
Plus, if you enjoy being in a group with like-minded women enjoying support, accountability and fun, you should join us over in the Vegan Wellness Club.
I’m confident that you’d love it. 😍