I recently read an article that started out by saying the word ‘Diet’ didn’t need to be a dirty word. This is true. It is also true that everyone is on a diet. If you look it up, the first definition is: the food that a person or animal usually consumes. To me, the word ‘usually’ is very important. Most of us see patterns in our eating habits when we keep close track of what we put in our mouths. Those eating patterns may be connected to: how often, what times of day, what types of food, or what prompts us– to eat. The patterns in when, what, and why we eat can hold important information about what type of food plan we should choose in order to reach the goals we have set. Since we are committing to getting a handle on our eating BEFORE the holidays, let’s talk about diets!
So what is the difference between a Diet and a Food Plan? As mentioned, a DIET is what we usually consume, a FOOD PLAN is what we plan or choose to consume. There is a big difference. I want to help you make better choices for a healthier life, so you can feel better, live longer, and have more fun, so I want to encourage you to shift your mindset and figure out how to choose a Food Plan that suits YOU.
South Beach Diet plan is an easy one to follow, it incorporates snacks and good “swaps”
Think about what kind of eater you are, and what you like to eat. If you love to nosh on snack type foods that are crunchy and salty (like me) or have trouble saying no to dessert, you are a junk food eater. A food plan where no foods are off limits, but healthy swaps are incorporated might work best for you. Try something like Weight Watchers if you feel you need some coaching or accountability. If you struggle with portion control (like me) and want to “eat until you drop” because it tastes so good, then you are a food lover. You may want a plan that allows you to eat several smaller meals that incorporate a wide variety of foods that are also filling. The South Beach Diet plan is an easy one to follow, it incorporates snacks and good “swaps”, by focusing on fruits and vegetables and lean protein choices. Do you eat more, as in quantity, or less healthy when you feel stressed or unhappy? Then you are the emotional eater who would do well with most food plans, the key for you is accountability, staying connected with a coach or group of friends. The mindless muncher is someone who grazes all day long, without thinking much about what they are eating or if they need to eat. A well-structured plan with fewer choices would help in this situation. Commercial Meal replacement plans like Jenny Craig or Nutrisystems may be helpful for the emotional eater or mindless muncher. If you are like me, you may fit into any or all of these types, depending on the day. If that is the case, you may just need to pick one and jump in-the key for you is that when you jump in, be ready to commit 110%! None of these plans will work for you if you aren’t ready to commit fully.
I commend you for taking steps toward achieving a better lifestyle by investing your time in learning about better choices. I would love to assist you as you continue this venture! I want to hear your story and learn more about how I can help you continue to make better choices for a healthy lifestyle by becoming ‘Your Best Fitness Friend’! Email me or comment below so we can get started!
For more on what type of eater you are, see: http://www.today.com/health/what-kind-eater-are-you-choose-right-diet-plan
Tomorrow is day 6 and we will talk a little more about addressing issues surrounding when and why we eat-until then-
Be well, and be ready to commit to a better YOU!
Your Bff
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