There is so much confusion around food, diets, macros, etc... that it can make your head spin. Fat was bad for you in the 90's, carbs should be avoided at all cost, and now there are healthy fats you just have to eat.
So what is true?
How should we eat?
And is there a diet out there that works?
When it comes down to it, fad diets come and go. And right now everyone is talking about intermittent fasting, Keto, Paleo, tracking macros and calories, and more.
Do any of these "diets" work?
We believe there isn't a black and white answer to this question because everybody and every body is different.
What we can say, is that many of these diets should be considered tools in your tool belt for managing your health through your nutrition.
Did you notice how we used the word "nutrition" and not "diet?"
Over my years learning about nutrition, observing others, and using my own body as a guinea pig for most of the fad diets out there, I can tell you that most people know very little about nutrition, fad diets can provide short term results, but are not typically sustainable over time, and rigid eating plans don't work for the normal person living a typically lifestyle.
Throw on top of this the emotional and psychological baggage we place on food, and you have a recipe for disaster. Hence, the reason obesity is on such a rise.
We believe at Propello Life that changing the way we view food is the solution. Tracking macros, adding up your calories, knowing which foods are good for your own body, those are all tools you need to learn along the way to really figure out what healthy eating is for your body. No one can keep up with My Fitness Pal forever. Therefore, the goal is to learn how to Intuitively Eat.
WHAT IS INTUITIVE EATING?
Intuitive eating is a way of eating where you listen to your body's hunger signals to make healthy eating choices.
Unlike traditional diets, it does not impose guidelines, rules, and restrictions. It is about finding balance with your nutrition.
Benefits of Intuitive Eating
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Lower BMI
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Don't have to track calories or macros!
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Healthier relationship with food
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Broader and deeper understanding of what food is and what it does for you
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Lower occurrence of eating disorders
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Improved self-esteem, body image, and overall quality of life while experiencing less depression and anxiety
3 step process to learning how to intuitively eat
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Learning what food is and what your body needs
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Portion control, total calorie needs, and micro nutrient needs
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Taking the emotion out of it, and learning food is neither "good" or "bad"
This looks like an short and easy list of steps, but it is a long process of trial and error, learning, and mindset changing. All leading to healthy eating habits that eventually turn in to a healthy eating lifestyle.
"Intuitive eating; the lifestyle that has helped me evolve, heal and respect my mind, body and food choices." - Lauren Baldwin, Propello Life Ambassador & Health Coach
Looking for some help taking the first steps?
Check out these resources:
- Intuitiveeating.org
- Healthline - A quick guide to Intuitive Eating
- LB Health & Fitness - Intro To Intuitive Eating
Learning how to eat and what works best for you is a life long process. Take it step by step with the goal to be a little better each day. With this mindset of gradual improvement, you will be more likely to stick with it, make lasting changes, and experience huge long-term results.
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Live For It.
Duke