In our Have you fallen off the healthy lifestyle wagon blog we cover some advice on setting out a plan to achieve the results you want when it comes to nutrition and exercise. We want to follow that on by covering areas of nutrition & exercise and how it can be way too easy to over complicate things.
In an increasing world of social media and an opportunity to share advice and opinions it can be a confusing place when trying to source the right advice, especially when it comes to nutrition and exercise. ‘Do this sit up challenge for two weeks and get ripped’ or people stating ‘you MUST go keto’, you MUST go vegan’ for optimal fat loss. These tend to be extreme views and options which in a lot of cases are not necessary for fat loss. Without digressing too much, I’m not saying a vegan diet is bad, I totally understand peoples ethical choices around veganism but if you’re choosing a vegan diet for the sole reason of believing that’s what you need to do for optimal fat loss, it’s just not the case. Equally, that applies to a ketogenic diet. For sure if there are other factors at play from a health point of view a ketogenic diet might have a place. But solely for optimal fat loss it just isn’t necessary. There are obviously many other examples such as meal replacement programs and products etc. My main point here is that generally speaking we don’t need to go to such extremes. For fat loss, in simplest terms, we need to be in a calorie deficit. Not on some crazy 600 calorie diet or a meal replacement selling scheme. And you can do this having a solid focus on the majority of your diet consisting of whole foods.
Why do you go to such extremes?
Because you want rapid results? Because you’re frustrated at trying many different approaches to your nutrition and it hasn’t worked? Wanting results fast is understandable as is becoming frustrated. Let’s address each of these individually.
Wanting rapid results: Ok, absolutely fine and that’s what people come to see us for. BUT it’s how you get those results and what happens after that’s really important. At Optimum3 we categorically do not compromise health for the sake of fat loss. But the good news is you can get both great fat loss results and look after your health. The main thing to focus on and is something all our trainers work on is sustainability. Sustainability is key, you want to stop the yo-yo eating and have something that’s a lifestyle change. This is where going to extremes people can start falling apart. You might stick to it for a few days or a few weeks but then you find you can’t sustain it. Don’t beat yourself up, you’ve not failed, the nutritional approach simply isn’t the right one for you. For it to be sustainable your nutrition needs to assist you in adherence. Something that works long term. Some people may be ready for an overhaul or a revamp, some people may not be and may require a more gradual change. Always remember, there is no one size fits all approach to nutrition, you have to find what works for you. It may take a little time but it might not need to be big changes.
Feeling frustrated after trying many different approaches: At Optimum3 we work with so many people who are on the verge of giving up, accepting ‘that’s just the way they’re going to be’. It is totally understandable to feel like this when trying so hard and getting nowhere. But once you start focusing on some of the things we’ve mentioned above, not focusing on quick fixes, stop going to extremes with fad diets, making some more gradual changes, focusing on whole foods, things start to look a little different. You’ve got to look at the long game. For sure you can still achieve quick results, it’s what we do at Optimum3, just with a focus on long term, life changing results that don’t compromise health.
A couple of things we advise our clients; don’t beat yourself up. You’ll get there. And try not to stress too much, this isn’t going to help.
If you’re in a place where you’re struggling ask for help. The team at Optimum3 are always on hand to answer questions you may have and we offer a free no obligation consultation to anyone considering personal training to get where they want to be.
Eat Well. Move Well. Live Well.
James & the Optimum3 Team