What comes to mind when you think of the word diet? For me, it’s temporary or short term.
You see, to live a happy, healthy and full life we need to begin focusing on long term sustainability instead of short term wins that last about as long as it took to get there.
“Lose 10kg in 2 weeks!!!” Sounds familiar right? Now tell me how many people kept those 10kg off. Or maybe we should be talking about how many people put the 10kg back on and then some.
Following a diet that is completely restrictive, requires drastic changes and is the furthest thing from enjoyable will never produce long term results. Just the same as a training program that doesn’t fit in with your lifestyle will never produce sustainable results and leave you looking the way you want for the rest of your life.
“The best nutritional and training protocol on the planet is useless if you can’t stick to it.”
It’s easy to get drawn in to tricky marketing and fads that promise unbelievable results in the shortest time possible. I mean, who wouldn’t want that right? But in the end of the day, programs offering rapid results are only a temporary fix. Which is why your focus needs to shift to long term results.
•Finding a way to eat that allows you to continue living your life the way you want to and eating the foods you enjoy.
•Finding a training method that is enjoyable, produces on-going results and is sustainable.
Here’s 5 things you should know about eating to lose weight
1. To get in shape you don’t need to starve yourself, eating 200-500 calories below maintenance is more than enough.
2. You should NEVER restrict yourself from certain foods, instead restrict calorie intake to ensure you’re in a calorie deficit
3. Sustainability is everything. Keep things flexible and you will see results in the long term.
4. You’re never going to be perfect, set guidelines and small goals. Keep stress levels low… you WILL lose fat if you’re consistent.
5. The slower the process the better. Give yourself more time than you think you need.
Here’s 5 things you should know about choosing the right training program for YOU
1. It has to fit within your lifestyle (work, social life, family etc.)
2. It should be aligned with your goals (strength, hypertrophy, power, endurance, speeed etc.)
3. It should focus on building up your weak areas and maintaining/continuing to build on your strengths
4. It should include de-loads or ‘back-off’ periods.
5. It should be enjoyable!
What good is it being in the best shape of your life if you look and feel like crap?
I’m here to tell you there’s a better way, you just have to be willing to put in the time and the work. Do yourself a favour and follow a plan that will put your health and fitness in a good position for the rest of your life, not just the next 4 weeks.
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