So, you’re wanting to lose weight? Great! Making the decision to change your eating habits can be the toughest step.
But where to start? What about a quick google, that should help, right? Wrong.
Google the word diet, and 10,050,000,000 listings pop up in .059 seconds. Whaaat?!
No wonder we’re confused and overwhelmed. It’s one thing to know you want to improve your health and wellbeing and lose weight, it’s another thing altogether to wade through the thousands, no millions of programs, apps, products, potions, shakes and teas to work out what’s right for you and your body.
It’s enough to send you straight to the fridge to dig out those Tim Tams you hid in the vegie drawer for emergency situations. (Cue guilt trip.)
Unfortunately, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to dieting.
Sure, meal replacement shakes can help you lose weight, and quickly. And many claim to be filled with nutrients and various proportions of protein, carbs and good fat. I’m sure some really are.
I agree that they are a much better alternative to fast food, or unhealthy food, but they’ll never compare to real, wholesome fruit, vegetables, legumes, seafood and meat.
Neither will pre-prepared, frozen, processed meals. Yes, they are super convenient – and ordering through these companies negates the need to plan and cook, which can be overwhelming.
Shakes and pre-packaged foods can have their place, yes, but they’re not a sustainable way to lose weight and change your lifestyle.
They can also be filled with chemicals and preservatives, which I’m not a big fan of, but more about that another day.
When we completely rely on shakes and pre-prepared (often frozen) foods, we’re taking a “replacement” approach to weight loss. And the results often last only as long as you stay on said meal replacement program.
When you stop the “diet” you often find that nasty weight you just lost.
Why is this? Because you took a short-term approach to replacing your meals to lose weight.
What I’d love you to do is consider learning new habits, educating yourself about what is good for your body, and what is not so good, what you should eat more of, and what you should eat less of. Focus on real foods.
And then, friends, what we are doing is learning healthy habits for life.
I recommend ditching the shakes and consider changing the way you eat every day. Focus on balance. Make good choices. Manage your carb intake (so it’s just right). Increase your water consumption. Balance your meals with good fats. And consume more protein!
Did you know protein is the most important nutrient for fat loss? Real foods are better sources of protein since they are less processed and typically have more protein and less fat.
Ultimately, it’s about finding a sustainable weight loss solution – quick fixes are just that. Quick fixes.
If you’d like help navigating the confusing world of weight loss, visit www.weightloz.com.au and arrange a free consultation today.
