What is Flexible Dieting?
So you want to learn about flexible dieting?
It's 2021 and if you haven't heard yet, we're DONE with diets that make your life miserable & restrict you from entire food groups.
No matter what fad diet you've tried (keto, low fat, paleo, WW...the list goes on!), they have all made you sacrifice a couple of things to achieve quick results:
Your food freedom
Your metabolic health
And your sanity
So, today I'm introducing you to flexible dieting — which actually is the opposite of most of those other diets. Although flexible dieting has the word “diet” in it, it is not at all a diet and more of a lifestyle.
You get to eat whatever foods you want (yay) as long as it fits into your custom macros each day.
It's going to FIX your metabolism after all those years of restriction and hardcore cravings.
And you'll never want to go back because you'll remember what happiness and most importantly, CLARITY, feel like again!
This approach to nutrition is all about finding a healthy balance (because that’s what life is all about) — think 80% whole, nutrient dense foods and 20% fun foods that you love and don’t have to give up (donuts, pizza, ice cream, wine, etc.). Flexible dieting starts with figuring out your custom macronutrients, or macros for short: carbs, protein, and fats. Each day your goal is to hit these 3 numbers, in grams.
By the way, emphasis on "CUSTOM" macros. Every body is different and your metabolism is not the same as anyone else's. Those free online macro calculators don't take that into consideration when they pop out random numbers...which is why investing in a coach to help you do this is so helpful.
Let's break each of the macros down a bit:
🔅 CARBS: Fear them no more. Carbs are absolutely essential and any diet that completely cuts them out is a diet you should run away from. They are your body's main source of energy. When you cut them out completely, your energy will be LOW, & sure you'll lose weight, but the second you eat them again, you'll gain that weight right back.
🔅 PROTEIN: You’re probably not eating nearly enough of it. Protein is key to cellular health, muscle repair, hormone regulation and even digestion. It fuels cells so that they can power your body. Protein is one of the most important components to fat loss as well! Once you're eating enough of it, you'll probably notice you're less hungry throughout the day, too.
🔅 FATS: Low-fat diets actually scare me. We need to eat fats to get those essential fatty acids in, which are SO vital to your cellular health, energy, immune system, brain health, and more. I'm not just saying eat any kind of fat — definitely eat healthy fats, like nuts, coconut and avocado. But whatever you do, don't cut them out of your diet. They will NOT make you fat.
Why do we want to eat the perfect amount of each macro every day? Because it will FUEL your body properly, satisfy your hunger/fullness levels, and most importantly it'll keep your metabolism thriving. Not to mention, it'll help you gain lean muscle mass as long as you're pushing yourself at the gym! Your body, mind, and soul will be so happy.
To do it accurately, you'll want to buy a food scale (Amazon has a ton), and you'll want to download a food tracking app to your phone (MyFitnessPal is my go to). You should also STOCK THE FRICK UP on groceries so that you have a ton of options!
Speaking of groceries, I'm thinking I should make a list of my favorites for flexible dieting. Stay tuned for that. But for now, here are some tips:
👩🏫 Read those food labels! Look for which macro that food is highest in (in grams).
👩🏫 Remember this isn't a one-way ticket to junk food city. Treat yourself and buy the mini donuts...but don't forget to eat nutrient-dense foods most of the time!
👩🏫 Buy high-volume foods. I love getting foods like spaghetti squash and greek yogurt which are lower in calories but HIGH in volume. These will help you stay fuller for longer, and help you hit your macros every day.
Flexible dieting will never ask you to cut out any foods from your diet, and if anything you'll likely be eating MORE than you have been...trust me, your body will thank you for that.
Our bodies, our nutrition, and our relationship between the two are complex and intertwined. As a coach, my job is not just to tell you what to eat & then leave you to struggle on your own. Rather, I focus on holistic, individualized coaching that allows you to improve your eating habits and reach your specific goals in a sustainable way and without restriction, misery, or compromising a healthy relationship with food and with yourself. Learn more about my 1:1 Health Coaching here.
