Often times my clients ask me: How many calories should I eat? How many carbs should I eat? How much protein should I eat? Why is this? In the U.S., we are programmed on a Diet System, that there is a RIGHT way of eating, and that if you're not eating that way, you have no willpower. This is why DIETS FAIL.
 
Most diets out there ask you to give up something, restrict something, and basically become obsessed with what you CAN'T have. This is why DIETS FAIL.
 
The dieting mindset is an all-or-nothing mindset. And we are not very kind to ourselves should we "stray from the path". This is why DIETS FAIL.
 
Your body and mind are two separate entities. You mind says, "OK, from now on I'm a vegan, no meat or animal products." Your body, being more intelligent, sooner or later begins to "crave" what you aren't "supposed" to have, when really it's trying to balance out it's needs to get you through the day. This is why DIETS FAIL.
 
Recently, I went on a HUGE bean kick. I was eating beans as my main source of protein for the better part of two weeks. I was even thinking, "Dude, I could become a vegetarian SO easy!" But then, my body began to revolt. I felt spacey, unfocused, and was having some of the worst insomnia I've EVER had. Why? Long-time readers know: my body needs the grounding effect of some animal protein to work most effectively. And by ignoring that, I was demonstrating why DIETS FAIL.
 

So then what works? Here are 5 things to keep in mind when considering a change in your eating habits:
 
1)      Bioindividuality.  We are all different. Which is why some people actually listen to Michael Bolton. We all have different needs, which is why the question of calories, carbs, etc is IMPOSSIBLE to answer. A post-menopausal woman has different needs than a 'roided out body builder.
 
2)      What do you normally eat in the course of a day? Keep a log! Eat without conscience for a good week or two and THEN start to make some changes. But make them slowly. Start with one or two MAX.
 
3)      Think of it like a road trip. If you get off at the wrong exit, do you keep on cruising until you get to Mississippi, when your destination was Seattle? No. You simply re-direct as soon as you can.
     
4)  Make room for indulgences. This is how I lost the weight I did. Every 3-4 days I would allow myself something I had been craving. If you feel like you are missing out, you will abandon the plan. It's what you do MOST of the time that counts.
 
5)      Add in exercise later. WHAT? You read that right. Unless you already have a routine down, you will be biting off more changes than you can chew. And, if you don't like gyms/treadmills/etc, DON'T do gyms/treadmills/etc. There's tons of ways to get you booty moving.
 
 
That's it. 5 simple things you can do on your own. Of course, if you feel you would like some assistance, I have a few slots left in my one-on-one counseling practice. To schedule your FREE 45-minute consultation, just email me here.
 
Happy Start of Summer!!
-Liz