We all know someone (maybe ourself) who has lost weight by counting calories or points. But how many people do you know who have maintained their weight loss, year after year?
How many can maintain their weight loss without being beholden to the calorie counting game?
It’s unusual.
Most of my clients come to me after a lifetime of diets. They’re smart women, successful women with just about everything in life under control.
Except their health.
And they’re downright surprised when I tell them what to eat.
Today I’m going to show you a shift that punches the multi-billion dollar diet industry in the face.
You already know this –> Typical low-calorie diets emphasize foods like vegetables, non-fat dairy and lean meats. Diet-friendly meals might be frozen entrees of just the right size (think Lean Cuisine) or a meal replacement shake.
The goal is to create a calorie deficit.
So why doesn’t this work, long term? Why do my clients still need to lose weight after years of trying?
Comparing caloric-density to nutrient-density, most diets look like this:
With this setup, your body isn’t getting nourished. It’s missing things like naturally occurring, healthy fats. Some vitamins and minerals. And you’re likely not getting enough protein.
You’re definitely not enjoying your food like you used to.
You’re hungry because your body is literally hungry for missing nutrients.
That’s when you’ll have cravings that get translated into “I want ice cream!” That fat-free strawberry yogurt isn’t going to cut it, even if you have 4.
Did you know you need fat in order to absorb the calcium in milk? Or that your brain is 60% fat and constantly regenerating cells?
It’s possible to power through. Many people do.
You can find delight in Brussels sprouts and chicken breast dinners. I like those things too.
But when faced with ice cream? Or pizza?
You eventually cave.
And it tastes so, so good.
This part stinks because now you’ve “been bad” and you have to somehow repent and get on the treadmill for 2 hours and direct all this negative energy into more willpower or else your diet is screwed.
With typical diets, you are in a constant battle with yourself.
I tell my clients to forget calories for a sec and instead focus on nutrients. I want them fully nourished, enjoying meals of real, whole food.
Throw out the willpower business.
I propose eating food that satisfies cravings before they start.
Because with this approach, there is no battle.
Yes, we may need to cut calories.
But no one can do that – successfully, long term – if they’re hungry, dealing with cravings or feeling deprived.
The solution is to give the body what it needs.
Simple. Or maybe not so simple? Do we even know what our bodies need anymore? Or have we been fully brainwashed by food marketers?
Hint: Your body never needs aspartame-sweetened, fat-free yogurt.
Your body needs real food in the form that nature provides.
Minimal processing. Nutrient-dense, good stuff as promised, like butter and steak and vegetables. Nuts and fruit and chocolate.
It looks like this:
Cravings dissipate. Energy increases. You feel more calm. After a couple weeks you’ll have an Oreo and think…ick. That tastes like a mouth full of chemicals.
Your brain chemistry will literally change to allow you to successfully lose weight.
So you can lose weight eating butter and bacon?
Yes.
For many of my clients, this shift towards nutrient-dense foods will automatically create weight loss over a period of several weeks or months.
They feel balanced. Satisfied. Happier. The weight starts to fall off.
Others will not lose weight…yet. And a few may gain weight at this stage, especially if they’re rejoicing in way too much butter and bacon. But that is ok.
Once food QUALITY is addressed, you can move on to QUANTITY.
The work of weight loss is not done, but it becomes…
So.
Much.
Easier.
