Written By: Registered Dietitian Mairead
So you’re looking to make some nutrition changes. Maybe you’ve searched on Google for “healthiest diets” or “best ways to lose weight”. If you have, you might have gotten overwhelmed by the sheer volume of results you got, and the fact that half of those results disagree with the other half! Where on earth are you supposed to start?
If we’re looking for long-term health or sustainable weight loss, extreme diets are usually not the way to go.
Here’s why:
1. They’re too far from how you’re currently eating.
If you’re currently eating at inconsistent times, relying on processed convenience foods or take out for most meals, and rarely eat a serving of vegetables each day, jumping to an extreme diet will be a HUGE difference.
Yes, you’ll probably see some results but if we don’t have solid habits to rely on when the novelty wears off, you’re likely to slide back to your old ways.
2. You feel like you’re either “on or off” the diet.
If we’re constantly bouncing between an extreme diet and eating whatever we want, your nutrition will be very inconsistent over time. You’re also more likely to reward yourself for the “good” days by making lots off less healthy choices when you’re having a “bad” diet day.
3. They don’t actually focus on health.
Many diets are designed to give you weight loss results but don’t focus on what your body needs in the long term. The more foods we intentionally restrict and cut out, the bigger our risk of developing a deficiency, being low in energy, and getting sick.
So what can we do instead? Next time you’re itching to make some nutrition changes, think LONG TERM.
If you can’t see yourself maintaining a habit for very long, any results you get also won’t stick around for long. Think about changes that would be small improvements in nutrition, not jumping light-years ahead. Pick habits that will help with your specific goals without compromising your overall health.
No idea where to start? That’s where a dietitian comes in! Our Registered Dietitian can help you connect the dots between where you want to be and where you are now, whether your goals include body composition, managing and preventing chronic diseases, athletic performance, or just cutting down on the stress around food.
Nutrition Consultations and Coaching will not be available from May to August 2021, so book your appointment in the last few days of April now! Email
[email protected] for more info and to book your appointment now!
