One thing I dislike about the fitness industry is that there is a lot of misleading information out there that is regarded as being correct by the average gym goer. It can be hard to tell what’s the truth and what’s being used to push a certain diet or product. Here is a classic example of one such myth.
I had a new client come in for a consultation yesterday. She informed me her goal is to lose 10 kg of fat and increase her strength. I started to lay out a rough plan for her, how many sessions a week, what type of training we would do, and then move on to her nutrition, explaining it is a massive part of achieving her goal. The conversation goes as follows:
ps. she is fine with me telling you about it.
her: Oh I’m fine with the nutrition, I have a great diet plan I used last year and lost 8kg so I’ll use it again.
me: ok, so you are 8kg down from this time last year? what was the diet?
her: well no, I actually put all the weight back on plus an extra 2 kg, but it works really well, my friend did it with me and she kept her results. I cut out nearly all the carbs from my diet.
me: you don’t like carbs then?
her: no I love carbs, that’s why I put all the weight back on, once I started back on them I overdid it and then felt like I failed and just gave up, but I know I won’t this time, I’m really determined to keep it off.
me: why would you want to put yourself through the torture of not eating carbs again, if you enjoy them?
her: because I want to reach my goals and this is how to do it, I just messed up the last time.
me: you do not need to stop eating carbs to reach your goal and you didn’t mess up, you were misinformed.
SILENCE….. I imagine this is what she is thinking
her: but….my friend did it…..I read online that it’s how to lose fat…..it worked for me before too.
me: Yes you can lose fat by restricting carbs, but it is not the only way. It’s great that it worked for your friend but everyone is different and what works for her may not work for you. It worked in getting you short-term results before but now you are back where you started. Lets try a strategy that is sustainable in the long-term and lets you enjoy the foods you like while still getting you to your goal.
her: that sounds great! where do we start?
There are a 4 important lessons you can take from our conversation:
1 If it is not sustainable in the long-term it is not for you
With enough will power we can do anything we put our minds to for a short period of time, and yes you will get results, but will they last? Instead of going through cycles of dieting and gaining weight, focus on developing healthy eating habits that allow you to include all foods, reach your goal and maintain your results forever.
2 Abstinence more than often leads to bingeing
Completely cutting out foods you like can lead to bingeing on them later. Enjoy all foods, just learn how to do it in moderation. You do not need to be miserable to reach your goals. You should enjoy your lifestyle, being healthy should not be hard work. If you don’t enjoy a certain way try another one until you find something you enjoy and that works.
3 Carbs are not the devil
In fact your body needs them for fuel. Overall energy intake is what’s most important for fat loss, whether its carbs, fats or protein. Don’t believe everything you read online especially if it is from someone pushing a certain agenda/ diet/product etc.
4 There is no one best diet
Whether its low carb, intermittent fasting or any of the others there is no one best diet. What works well for one person will be terrible for another. Personally I think if you enjoy a wide variety of nutritious whole foods and eat mindfully you will never have to “go on a diet” again.
If you have any questions regarding the post or need some help please get in touch via the form below.
Thanks
Shane