I was reading a blog a few days ago, and it reminded me of one I had written several months ago along very similar lines.
There are so many differing opinions around food and on what is good/bad, right/wrong, and currently in fashion that it is no wonder many of us feel confused or even overwhelmed when it comes to making decisions. And whilst there is no shortage of information out there, how do we know the difference between what is sound advice or just another current fad.
Whilst I commend anyone who makes the effort to improve their diet, and their knowledge of food and its impact on us, my clients and those who know me will also know that I don’t buy into the current trend, or any fancy “magic” solution. I strongly believe that choosing the right amount of real food, in as natural state as possible, in season, and where possible organic, is the most sustainable and healthy way. It’s a constantly evolving journey, and I for one, am often making small changes and improvements. I’m currently enjoying eating a largely plant based diet. My body seems to like it, and I feel great and have good energy levels.
The current trend is toward low Carbohydrate diets, Paleo diets and Ketogenic diets, as well as an increasing number of people turning to a largely plant based diet. (often called Vegan, but as a friend pointed out to me recently, Vegan is more a lifestyle than just a diet. So a “True Vegan” would not use products that came from animals, such as leather shoes etc)
Whilst many have had success losing weight on a Keto, Paleo or Low Carb diet, that weight loss has generally come about as a result of a lower calorie intake than their previous diet. And so often we see people who follow these diets for a while, lose weight, feel better etc, then they go back to their old habits, and the weight goes back on and their energy drops off.
There are a few questions you can ask yourself before embarking on a new regime…..
- Is someone making money out of this? Often the answer is yes. There is a product or supplement you need to buy, that will help you lose weight, get healthy etc. If you are buying real food, locally grown, and purchased as close to its original source as possible, then the person most likely making money is the local farmer/grower. That’s great.
- Is it sustainable long term, forever ? If you are needing to make major changes that mean you are no longer eating “normal food” or your regime is for a set number of weeks etc, then chances are, it’s not going to be something you can do or want to do long term, and that’s when we see people see the “On again Off again” pattern which just leads to a lifetime of being unhappy with your body.
- Is it a variation on a familiar theme? Is the latest trend just a twist on an old theme? The food/weight loss/health industry is big business and a huge amount of money is made when people who are dissatisfied or vulnerable spend large amounts on a solution to their problem.
Before you set off on your journey to a leaner healthier you…..I encourage you to firstly take an honest look at what you are already eating. If we are honest, there will be things we can cut out (sugar, processed foods, etc) that will make a big difference to our waistline without jumping on the latest bandwagon. I love creating a really colourful plate…..lots of greens, dark reds and yellows. Some Nuts and Seeds for good fats. If you are a meat eater, then try to choose meat that is unprocessed….so a steak rather than a sausage, Chicken breast rather than chicken nibbles etc . Kumara or Potato (or other starchy vegetables) for your carbohydrates, rather than Pasta or Bread….. Keep it simple, keep it colourful, keep it natural. And as we head into summer, it gets even easier to eat like this. Give it a go, your body will thank you for it.
Karyn Holland
Catalyst Fitness
