We've all been there – wanting to shed a few pounds, so we try the latest fad diet. It seems to work for a couple of days, but then comes the hunger!
That never-ending, insatiable hunger that accompanies cutting calories in the quest to look good in swimwear.
THERE MUST BE A BETTER WAY – RIGHT?!
And there is – a Real, Whole Food Diet. By "diet," I mean a lifelong way of eating, not just a temporary solution for weight loss that leads back to old habits and regained weight.
WHAT IS A REAL, WHOLE FOOD DIET?
We define a Real, Whole Food Diet as predominantly based on foods that either grow from the ground or walk on it (swimming too!); basically, anything that isn't processed or packaged.
Moreover, the term "diet" often suggests weight loss and calorie restriction – limiting what you eat and taking the joy out of eating. That's not the intention.
Your diet is what you eat daily. Through Real, Whole Foods, to eat as much as you want.
TO NEVER BE HUNGRY
TO EAT A CLEANER, MORE NUTRIENT-DENSE DIET
TO LOOK AND FEEL THE WAY YOU WANT
A Real, Whole Food diet isn't about taking away; it's about substituting. It's about consuming more food with fewer calories!
You'll be amazed at how much you can eat when it's healthy!
And have you noticed how visually appealing healthy food can be?
A vibrant fruit salad with raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries, a juicy grapefruit, or a crisp salad with red leaf lettuce, red peppers, green cucumbers, and orange carrots... It's designed to be enticing. To be enjoyed!
Moreover, you should be able to indulge in a glass of wine or dessert occasionally without sabotaging your weight loss goals or your long-term aim for a leaner, healthier body.
Sounds great, doesn't it?
SO, HOW DO I LOSE WEIGHT AND AVOID CONSTANT HUNGER?
The key is to create a calorie deficit of around 500 calories per day, but to eat enough real, whole foods so you don't feel hungry.
You achieve this by selecting nutrient-dense foods that provide the carbs, fats, and proteins you need, and by including plenty of raw vegetables (low calorie + high fiber = feeling full for longer) with lunch and dinner to stave off hunger!
When 50% of your plate is vegetables, your meal's calorie count remains low, and you feel full for hours.
NUTRIENT-DENSE FOOD VS EMPTY CALORIES
Empty calories taste fantastic but lack the nutrients to keep you full or support your body's functioning, maintaining leanness, and preventing illness and disease. Examples include:
SODA
SUGAR & DESSERTS
ALCOHOL
FRIED FOOD
CHIPS
ANYTHING PACKAGED
OVERLY PROCESSED (LONG INGREDIENT LISTS)
These foods should be indulged in occasionally (about 10-20% of your total calories) – for special occasions, social gatherings, or when life gets hectic.
Enjoy yourself socially; eat clean in private!
Nutrient-dense foods should make up 80-90% of your diet. They keep you full, make you feel amazing from the inside out, aid in fat loss, help build lean, strong muscle, and contribute to preventing illness and disease.
THE KEY IS TO LIVE A BALANCED, WHOLE FOOD LIFE
Life is about balance. It's about establishing a sustainable lifestyle.
Sure, any of us can commit to a weight loss challenge for 8-12 weeks. But if we view it as temporary, we'll revert to old habits as soon as it's over.
Ask yourself, have you gained anything if you revert back? No!
I challenge you to shift your mindset.
See your next weight loss challenge as an opportunity to change some of your eating habits. Learn a few nutrient-dense, whole food-based recipes you love and incorporate them into your weekly meals.
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