I’m on a diet.
It’s called the “I eat whatever works for my body, my lifestyle, and helps me reach my goals” diet.
Let’s just call it The Abby Diet. It’s the perfect diet. For me.
I used to struggle with my diet and really didn’t know what good nutrition was. I tried many different diets.
There was the week where I ate potatoes topped with cottage cheese every day.
Then, there was the canned tuna and green been diet. I tried the diet plans to go with the video workouts I did and I went strict paleo for a while.
I sort of followed the plans. But it all seemed so complicated and unrealistic. I felt like I was in a constant state of restriction. Healthy eating seemed like a daunting task resulting in gross food and cooking that caused me stress.
I would remove everything “bad” and only eat the “good” food that was supposed to help me lose weight. That would last a short time before I gave up and went back to my normal eating habits. Then guilt would set in. The problem with diet or shake programs is the end. What comes next? What do I eat now that this program is over?
In the last couple years I have learned an important lesson: how to eat.
I have learned to listen to my body and understand the cues it is giving me. I have practiced and learned the skill of mindful eating.
Mindful eating is simply paying attention.
Things like understanding the difference between real hunger and boredom/emotional eating, slowing down and really enjoying the flavors of food, and to stop eating before stuffing yourself silly are all examples of mindful eating.
I have learned that healthy food can and should taste good.
I have learned that cooking a healthy meal doesn’t need to be complicated or time consuming. Healthy eating doesn’t need to include weighing, counting, or knowing exact macros.
I commonly get asked if I ever “cheat” on my diet. I don’t like that word. Cheat sounds negative. Like I did something bad. I choose to use the word indulge. I do choose to enjoy indulgences at times. But, it is a mindful choice and therefore there is no guilt associated. I enjoy the indulgence, then I move on and go back to my regular eating habits.
Healthy eating doesn’t look the same for all of us.
Some people have allergies or intolerances (mine is dairy). Some people want to lose weight while others want to bulk up. Some people are training for an adventure race and others haven’t begun an exercise program yet.
In other words, what works for one person won’t necessarily work for the next. Our bodies, lifestyles, and goals are different. I want to help you find your ideal “I eat whatever works for by body, my lifestyle, and helps me reach my goals” diet. Then you can also say, I’m on a diet.
It’s called The – (Your Name) – Diet.
If you are ready to break the cycle of diets, fads, falling off track, and starting over, we can help. Click here to find out more about Barefoot Fitness Nutrition Coaching.