6 food rules to end all confusion about what to eat - JUST THE TIP TUESDAY

“It is so confusing trying to figure out what to eat”. Working as an online personal trainer, I hear this time and time again. So, when you are trying to lose weight, build muscle, increase your energy or simply improve your overall health, what do you eat?

BALANCED DIET

Along with healthy diet, it is also important to treat the taste buds. There are several ways to do both and maintain a balance in your diet. Making food easy to prepare and eat is key. Another important factor to consider is your portion size. I don’t believe in eating “small” because, well, I love food (don’t we all?) but checking your portion size and following these 6 ways to avoid overeating is what I recommend.

CONFUSION AROUND EATING

No wonder we are so confused. Vegan, paleo, Whole30, primal, gluten free, low-carb, no carb, high fat, intermittent fasting - there are so many competing theories on nutrition, it gets really confusing! So, what should you eat?

My answer is that food gets PERSONAL. When we try to “control” it and turn away from our culture, emotions, social circles and health factors we can often sustain that style of eating short term but it is not sustainable! My opinion? Make the best possible decision for your body and your life!

With all of that being said, having studied the various dietary theories, losing over 65 lbs myself and in working with clients, there are six simple principles that are surprisingly consistent.

Here are some foods to look upon when you are confused about what to eat: 

1. Fruits:

Fruits are your natural desserts. God’s candy. You can pick up the fruit according to your taste. Strawberries and raspberries are delicious and can be enjoyed with dark chocolate. They have 8 grams of fiber in a cup.

2. Protein Foods:

In order to maintain a balance in your diet, it is must that you have enough proteins intake. Some of extremely protein rich foods are chicken, prawns, fish and tofu. These meats can be enjoyed with grilled beans which are also high in carbs. 

3. Complex Carbohydrates:

Don’t eat carbs after 7pm? I call B/S! Carbs = life. Carbs are GOOD and complex carbohydrates are even better for maintaining a balance in your diet. Here is a simple list of foods that are rich in carbohydrates that give you energy through the day: Yams, brown rice, sweet potato, whole grain bread and oatmeal. 

4. Vegetables:

Vegetables are a great source of protein, fibers and carbs. Raw vegetables or cooked vegetables can make any meal more nutritious and vegetables make a great snack for you busy people always on the go!

5. Healthy Fats:

Your body NEEDS fat. Healthy fats give your body energy and they support cell growth. You need fat to help absorb all the other nutrients and not to mention that if your body is not getting enough fat (and you are trying to lose weight) it will store and hold on to the fat it has in fear that it will never get enough again. Try looking for some healthy fat recipes to include in your balanced diet like these Keto fat bombs or one of our most popular recipes to date black bean brownies.

6. Yummy Things You Want To Eat:

Are you a human? You probably have cravings. Don’t deprive yourself, this just leads to imbalances and disasters down the road trust me. If you are a dessert lover, have dessert. If a big bag of chips are you jam, have some chips! The main thing to remember here is to strive for progress and not perfection. Majority of the time if you eat nutrient dense foods that your body responds well to, you will see the results. When you try following strict restrictive diets and fall into the yo-yo trap, this is where things can get really frustrating!

Overall, don’t get confused. No matter what people come up with, maintaining your diet is a pretty simple thing. We don’t need to overcomplicate it. Find what works (what your body likes) and do more of that! Look around for healthy and easy to cook meals and get started.

Stay strong. Be the fire.

Dunnebells.

If you haven’t signed up for my Facebook group yet, you can sign up here.

Leave me comment telling me know which topics you want to see for the next Just The Tip Tuesday!