So..first thing’s first. Let’s define what a ‘diet’ is, so that we’re all on the same page. A diet is simply what you eat. Eating 50 pancakes a day is still a ‘diet’ (a pretty dangerous one), but you get the picture.

The true answer is, there isn’t really one best diet for everyone; there’s a pretty good diet for each individual, for a certain period of their lives. HOWEVER..there are some basic tenants to follow which can help most people. They are uncomplicated and can be very effective.

Now, let’s narrow down on this weight loss bit. We don’t really want to lose anything other than fat…and maybe a bit of water. So with that in mind, let’s discuss the best ways to keep the non-fat bits, and reduce the fat bits.

INCREASE YOUR METABOLISM
Even if you are overweight, the last thing you want to do is starve yourself. This will actually have the opposite effect on your body. You get your body used to expecting such a low amount of energy (calories), so when you do eventually break and binge ,your body will just store the excess (anything beyond what you’ve trained it to expect). EAT ENOUGH FOOD! But eat QUALITY, and eat smart.

EAT MORE VEGETABLES AND REAL FOOD
Unless you have specific kidney diseases, EVERYONE benefits from having a predominantly plant-based diet. I aim for a minimum of 8 portions of vegetables per day (about 3 measuring cups), and I treat myself to 2 portions of fruit a day (just under 1 measuring cup). Split this up across 3 meals a day, and it is light work.

GET ENOUGH NUTRIENTS..AND WATCH YOUR PORTIONS
Sometimes we binge because our body is deficient in nutrients and is desperately trying to get some. For example, if you crave a lot of chocolate, you may be deficient in magnesium. If you crave crisps and salty foods, you may be missing some sodium (yes, you need sodium, or else your cells can’t open and close properly).
Your total vegetable intake per meal should make up half of your plate, protein should make up one quarter, and the last quarter should be some type of minimally processed carb. A tablespoon of good fats like olive/coconut oil, nut butter, ghee, avocado, nuts etc can also help the absorption of other nutrients in your meal. A nourished body achieves fat loss better, because it has all the right tools and working machinery to do so.

BE AWARE OF FOODS YOU KNOW DON’T SIT WELL WITH YOU
If you know a certain type of dish or ingredient gives you the runs, makes you bloated, tired etc..it just isn’t for you. At least not right now. Cut it out completely for the meantime, this can reduce inflammation. The less inflammation you have, the more effective your body will be at whatever you want it to do.

DO NOT GRAZE IN BETWEEN MEALS!
Leave that for the cows, they have 4 stomachs. You have 1. This is why it is so important to eat proper, nutritious meals. Equally important is to leave gaps in between them so your body can digest, assimilate & get rid of what’s not needed. When you snack, you interrupt an important process. Give your digestive system 4-5 hours rest between meals, and fast for 12 hours between dinner and breakfast.

CHEW YOUR FOOD PROPERLY
Pretty self explanatory, right? Don’t swallow your food till it has become as mushy as you can make it. Very basic, but is sometimes the last thing standing in between you and those last couple of pounds.

Hardly rocket science, and accessible! That isn’t even the whole story, but it is certainly enough to get you started on the right path. If you want to figure out your personalised fat loss and health plan, drop me a line.

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