The Best Diet Is...

NO DIET! Yes, you read that correctly. The best diet is in fact no diet. Confused? That’s okay, I will clear it up for you. With all the different fad diets, weight loss supplements, and guru’s special tricks, it can be very tricky. No matter what your goals are, whether they’re bodybuilding, powerlifting, weight gain, or weight loss… keep it simple! Diets cut out a food group. We have the food pyramid for a reason because it’s what we are supposed eat. When we cut out carbs, we start to miss essential vitamins and minerals that our body needs. Plus, our bodies first choice of energy is glucose which comes from carbs. If we don’t get it from carbs our bodies can pull it from protein and fat through gluconeogenesis. Although this is nice that our bodies do this for us, it means we are left with less protein and fat where our bodies need it. In addition, when we cut out fats we miss out on essential vitamins and minerals. Our bodies need fat for hormone production and absorption of nutrients and fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K. It is crucial that we do not cut out fats as well.

Protein also plays a huge role in metabolism as its harder to digest and keeps us feeling fuller longer. Protein also increases metabolism.

Fad diets work for some people because in the end it is less calories than they were previously eating. This decrease in calories is what leads to the initial weight loss but will eventually plateau; cutting calories will only work for so long. If done properly you can eat more and lose weight. (What? No way is that right). It is 100% correct!

A good “meal plan” (I don’t say diets because diets do not work and they cut out a food group) consists of healthy non processed whole food. This includes fruits, veggies, lean protein, and healthy fats. By eating these types of food your digestive system will function properly. With a properly functioning digestive system, your metabolism is going to increase which will then allow you to lose weight while actually eating more food.

In conclusion, don’t waste your time on some fad diet. Simply look at what junk you can stop eating that you currently eat. If it comes out of a box it is unhealthy for you. If you start eating lean proteins, healthy fats, pure whole grains, fruits and veggies you will improve your digestive system and increase your metabolism. This is the key to a healthy life style!