Going to the gym, walking into your local coffee shop, shopping at the store; you will always notice one thing…the world is full of diets! Keto, carnivore, paleo, fasting, low-carb, high-fat. There is a new trend circulating every week that is deemed to lead to the healthiest you. However, I have learned the truth, there is not one perfect diet that fits everyone. Our bodies, goals, and day-to-day lives are all different and our diet needs to suit that. The real talk should be about finding what “diet” is right for you and your body.
Where do I start?
It is important thing to remember that no diet should be labeled good or bad. A diet is supposed to aid you, but is not meant to be the full driving force of your life. A diet should become a part of your daily life and should feel manageable. Find what is realistic for you and makes you feel like your best self. Always check in with your body and how you are feeling, at no point should you feel tired or hungry 24/7! Listen to how your body responds to certain foods and meals and make changes accordingly.
Jumpstart your Eating
Forget the diet labels, building a healthy lifestyle is about so much more than following a trend. It’s about finding balance between fun foods you enjoy and nutrient-dense foods that give your body energy. A truly healthy diet includes both macronutrients (carbs, proteins, fats) and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals), so your body has everything it needs to thrive.
Start simple: Aim to include a variety of whole fruits and vegetables every day, choose lean proteins like chicken, fish, beans, or tofu, and don’t forget about whole grains and healthy fats like nuts, seeds, and avocado. Try to cook at home when you can, since meals made from fresh ingredients often give you more control over portion sizes, sodium, and added sugars than takeout or prepackaged meals. Remember, the key is balance, not restriction.
You Can Do It!
You may not get it right on the first try, and that is ok! Your nutrition goals will be ever changing with your life and that’s how it should be. The world is full of diets and no one diet “perfect”, but rather, it’s about finding what is right for you. Focus on what makes you the best version of YOU!
Written by GUADS member Emma
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