One of the biggest mistakes I see people make with their health and fitness is overcomplicating their nutrition.
“I am on a diet.” It is a phrase that has a negative connotation. When in reality, our society has made eating healthier choices not normal and eating fast food constantly the norm.
Nutrition specifically is the biggest determinant of whether or not you are achieving your goals. You can work out hours a day, but if you are making terrible decisions when it comes to what you put in your mouth to eat, you will never be happy with your progress.
The good news about nutrition is that the basics work. What do I mean by that? You do not have to completely overhaul your lifestyle to reach your goals.
Here are three things I tell people to focus on when it comes to their food:
Prioritize Protein
Protein helps you feel full longer. I am reminded of the pack of gummies my kids get each week after church. Within five minutes of eating those gummies, they are wanting something else to eat because the gummies in no way help them feel full. Do they taste amazing? Absolutely. 100%.
When we make protein the anchor of our meal, it helps us avoid late-night cravings and overeating.
Don’t drink calories
Liquid calories add up so fast. During a nutrition consult two weeks ago, I found out that a client was drinking three 20-ounce bottles of Mountain Dew a day. That was close to 700 calories. That’s an entire meal in terms of the amount of calories.
Focus on better options when it comes to choosing liquids. Water should be your first choice. But it is okay to have sodas too. Have a diet soda option or a zero-calorie option of your favorite soda.
Find what works for YOU
Just because your friend was able to stick to a diet doesn’t mean it is necessarily best for you. Your friend could have completely different circumstances and responsibilities than you. So what works for them may not work for you based on those details.
Nutrition at its core is the most important determinant of you reaching your goals. Eighty-five to ninety percent of the time, eat things that move you toward your goals. Ten to fifteen percent of the time, have fun with food. Eat ice cream. Get a donut.
Removing the “all or nothing” mindset with nutrition will put you in a much better spot, both mentally and in terms of moving the needle toward your goals.