There are numerous weightloss options that exist, given that it is a billion dollar industry. Diet trends are created with new scientific research, documented with before and after photos, passed down from generation to generation, and promoted by famous celebrities. We’re willing to do just about anything to fit our favorite pair of skinny jeans, so we tend to listen to whatever diet is in vogue at the time. Atkins, Du-ken, Cornish, Campbell study, Stick, Vegan, Juices, Gluten Free … One swears by fat, the other by protein, and the third has strong evidence that both fat and excess protein are the culprits ?! Who should we trust and what will produce the results that will last a lifetime?
The secret is very simple, says Pollen: “Eat food. Mostly plants. Not too much.” And that is. Eat the food! Don’t eat anything that has more than 4-5 ingredients. Don’t eat anything your grandmother doesn’t recognize as legitimate food.
Eat mostly plants. We tend to overestimate our daily protein needs, as well as underestimate the amount of protein in plants! Eat your beans, quinta or walnuts and your digestion system will thank you!
Not too much. One of the dangers of healthy foods, especially those that contain sugar, is that we can give ourselves permission to overeat because they are healthy. True, 200 calories from oranges is not nutritionally the same as 200 calories from cookies, but … they count!
By following those 3 rules, after having lost and gained hundreds of pounds in the last ten years, my scale and I finally live in peace and harmony. After the dark ages of diet pills, shakes, compulsive exercise, fat burners, ephedra, protein bars, and L-carnitine, here are the 3 most important lessons I’ve learned while maintaining a lean physique:
1. Hunger is a normal natural phenomenon. In fact, it is desirable from time to time. It’s okay to be hungry and you should feel hungry from time to time. Hug him!
2. Living as a fit, healthy and strong person is a decision that you have to make several times a day in a million different situations. Should I just sit in front of a TV because I’m tired or should I take a 20 minute walk? Should I have another slice of bread or a bowl of lettuce? Make the right decision for you every day.
3. Make peace with your scale. It is what it is and that number does not define you as a person. Be brave, step and keep stepping every day. Find out where you are today and decide where you want to be tomorrow. Commit to it and never stop tracking your progress. Remember, it’s just a number!
And in the end … the most important secret of all … (drum rolls) Never give up! It happens that you will not get fat for a day of bingeing. What you do the next day is what makes the difference, so forgive yourself and try harder tomorrow!