09/11/2022
The methods are many — The principles are few.
When it comes to nutrition, I’ve personally tried 8:16 hour intermittent fasting, high-fat diets, butter in my coffee. I’ve eaten 5 small meals per day for a while, was vegan for 5+ years, quit coffee. Tried carb cycling, meal timing, tracking food, went through a period of time putting turmeric on everything, back to coffee. Intermittent fasting for a major cut, counting macros, weighing foods, almost quit coffee again (but didn’t), reintroducing meat, fish and dairy… Don’t touch my coffee.
Some phases came naturally. Truth be told, other phases sowed deep-rooted beliefs to my core that I felt was part of my identity and very hard to shake.
Crazy thing is, I found results through all of these methods, only because their principles were more or less the same.
Here are some my daily focuses:
1. I put a focus on protein at each meal. For me, a simple target has been my weight in lbs of protein per day.
2. Filling the rest of the plate with as many real, less-processed foods as I could. These are nutrient-dense foods that I can fill up on. I promise you, I love to eat just as much as you. Typically fruits, roasted vegetables, beans and grains. (I know what you’re thinking - CARBS?!?)
3. Eating slow and mindfully- eating without distraction of phone, computer or TV, while sitting down. Chewing each bite 20-30 times (sounds laborious, but you get used to it quickly. Your digestive track will thank you!) Setting my fork down between bites and taking a breath.
These are some of MY food principles, not because they are the “right” way, but because I can consistently and sustainably follow them, while getting the performance and recovery results I desire.
The best nutrition plan is the one that works for you. Lame, I know, but here are a few things to consider in helping you keep things simple:
-Does your plan raise your self-awareness around food? Attention is key!
-Focus on food quality.
-Do the foods I’m eating help me control appetite and hunger throughout the day?
Hope this helps get your mind going! -Coach Sam