Sadly, the fitness industry is one swept with bulls@#$ nonsense and contradictory rules which ends up leaving us confused and probably in worse shape than when we begun.
Some might think “I’ll just google the best diet” and as soon as you hit that enter bar you are overwhelmed with information. Keto, carbs, paleo, vegan, protein, IIFYM. All of which tell you the exact opposite of each other.
Let me tell you this: EVERY SINGLE PERSON IS DIFFERENT and what works for Jodie might not work for Jess. You need to understand what your body likes and create your own eating routine.
Labelling foods as ‘good’ or ‘bad’, ‘healthy’ or ‘cheat meal’ creates a negative relationship with food, messing with your mind and manifesting the idea that certain foods are ‘off limits’. If you are human and much like myself, when someone says “don’t press the big red button”, all you want to do is press the big red button.
By categorising foods as ‘bad’ and telling yourself they are off limits, when you inevitably crack and eat them you either:
a) feel like a failure because you ‘cheated’ yourself
b) binge eat until the cows come home
c) all of the above and ultimately end up in a worse place than when you started.
Listen, if there's one thing I wish everyone could understand about nutrition it's this… it’s actually very simple and there is no reason to stress about it. Food shouldn't consume your thoughts every waking moment and you shouldn't feel restricted, scared or even anxious about eating.
The sooner we realise moderation (above all else) is the key to success, the sooner you'll be able to let go of any and all fear associated with what we eat and begin to truly enjoy food again.
So what is ultimately the best diet?
Whatever you enjoy most and can stick with long term that yields consistent progress. Cliche? Maybe. Cold hard truth? 100%