CUTTING CARBS? PALEO? WHOLE 30? JUICE CLEANSE? ARE WE DONE?

Cutting carbs. The Paleo diet, Whole 30. "This juice cleanse that my sister lost 50lbs on". Have you fallen victim to trying any of the following fad diets? Keyword, TRYING.

Firstly, don't mistake this post as a shot on those fads. I have tried them all. I have done them all. I have at one stage in my life believed they work and would fight to my death to protect whatever fad diet I was following for the few weeks that I "lasted".

This post, is coming from a place AFTER trying all those fad diets, realizing they do not work (long term) and discovering there is more to life than waiting for the weekend to eat what I want, go out where I want and make the memories that I have always wanted to make. 

So let me introduce to you some simple strategies which my girls who crush my online program learn about in depth and THIS is why they will never feel the need to go on another "diet" again!

Impressive salmon tacos from the other night - I once would have felt such GUILT for eating this. I enjoyed a beer on the side and had a massive dessert to wash it all down.

VARIETY: Please, I beg you, include a variety of foods so that your body is receiving all the necessary nutrients you need. 

EAT FAT TO LOSE FAT: Eating the healthy fats will actually enhance your bodies ability to burn fat! Watching the amount of saturated fat is important especially in those "snacks". Check out my recent post listing just 10 health benefits of this fat god that you NEED to be eating.

TEMPTATIONS: If you struggle with self-control (talking as a former binge-eater), I recommend ridding the cupboard of those high-calorie, sugar filled treats that could tempt you to overeat. Whenever I have a fridge stocked with protein, fruits, veggies and low-fat dairy products I am able to get creative and eat something to fuel my body rather than poison it.

HUNGRY: Do you love to eat? I hear you! I actually just love the motion of putting food in my mouth. SO, why deprive that amazing feeling? Aim to eat every 2-3 hours, consuming food when you wake up to kick start that metabolism into gear!

EMPTY CALS: If nothing else, decrease the amount of empty calorie foods you consume. Think sodas, fruit/sport drinks, candy and baked treats. Note: DECREASE does NOT mean deprive and never eat. 

Are you ready to create a healthy, well balance lifestyle? Are you ready to eat what you want, when you want instead of depriving yourself on another fad diet that ultimately leads to failure? You can do it! Get started with one of my favourite, easy to follow meal plans found here.

If you feel like you need some extra help, I gotchu don't worry! Join the other strong ladies who have applied for the next elev8 round launching May 27!

Making small changes will see an impact so I encourage you to just start. Experiment and remove the restrictions you have placed on yourself! Time to start living.. NOW. Not on the weekend.

Stay strong. Be the fire.