You might think that this is a bit of a joke headline but it’s really one of the most common pieces of advice we give clients, especially the ones who are just starting out with us.
Over the years, one of the biggest differences I’ve noticed between those who succeed in achieving their health and fitness and those who don’t is that those who fail try and jump in at the deep end with an all-or-nothing attitude when it comes to food.
There is something about going to the extremes with food that people who haven’t made a true commitment to be healthy find appealing. It’s as if they can go to the extreme, fall off the wagon and have this short-lived, intense burst of effort to back up their claim that they really tried.
On the other hand, the people who succeed in achieving their goals rarely go to extremes with their food, yet still get better results than those that do. And those who succeed never feel overwhelmed because it was no big deal.
So, better and longer-lasting results, less stress, more enjoyment, a healthier relationship with food and a place in their nutrition plan for their favourite foods on a weekly basis is the smart persons approach to eating for health, fat loss and wellbeing.
Here’s why.
One of the most important, if not the most important, factors that decides whether for n to somebody will achieve the results they want is whether or not they can stick to the program long-term. Not for a few days. Not for a week. Not for a month.
Long-term.
And of course, you’re more likely to stick to a program that makes room for your favourite foods than a program that doesn’t. Likewise, you’re going to enjoy a program more if you have the option of eating pizza and chocolate (our whatever your favourite foods are) than one that doesn’t.
Agreed?
Food has so many social, emotional and psychological affects on us that it’s vital you work with it instead of rebelling against it. Because if you rebel, you will be crushed and end up right back where you started or worse.
Now you can’t take this as an excuse to do the dog. You’re smart enough to understand that I don’t mean that. But you absolutely can, and should make time for your favourite treats each week.
- Does movie night with the kids involve ice-cream? Great, enjoy it.
- Does your family go for pizza every friday? I love pizza and if you do too then enjoy it guilt free.
- If Sunday afternoons is eating out day order whatever you want. It’ll make zero difference if you’re exercising regularly and eating highly nutritious food on a consistent basis.
As an example, last week I had delicious food all during the week and on Saturday I went out for dinner with my family. I also enjoyed some delicious appletart and cream and still dropped 0.8% body fat!
One of the best pieces of advice I give new clients who tell me they are giving up their favourite foods so they can reach their goals quick is not to do it!! I tell them if they enjoy pizza we can make it work so that they still achieve their goals.
If they like chocolate how about they continue to enjoy it without affecting their goals?
It absolutely can be done and the people who enjoy high quality lives and are fit and healthy all understand this and take advantage of it.
Take home point
A plan that deprives you of the foods you enjoy will never deliver. You’ll end up resenting it and reverting back to your old habits with another defeat under your belt. Depending on your goals and current fitness level, making room 2-3 times a week to enjoy your treat foods will have zero impact on your results if you’re on top of your exercise and nutrition as a whole.
Health and fitness should be an enjoyable and rewarding process so don’t suck all the joy out of it.
If you need help getting started on your own journey our team can help. Just click the banner below to get started.
Steve McGrath
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