Keto, Intermittent Fasting, IIFYM aka Flexible Dieting, the list goes on… There are a lot of diets out there that work for people looking to lose weight. Some results last longer than others for different people, but the reason all these diets are successful in the first place comes down to one thing: reducing calories.
Keto cuts out calories from carbs. Intermittent fasting cuts out calories from whole chunks of your day. Paleo cuts out calories from modern, processed foods. From a weight loss standpoint, there’s nothing magical about any of these approaches, unless it really “clicks” with someone. Any of them may click with you. You’re free to experiment with them and I wish you well. Remember: the best “diet” is the one you stick to.
Sticking to trendy diets long-term is tough for most people because they are restricting carbs, processed foods, and/or hours of the day. But since we know the reason all those diets help people lose weight is simply reducing calories, we can start there. You don’t need strict, restrictive “diets” (that cost you money) to reduce calories.
The best way to reduce calories isn’t even always to think about reducing calories, it’s to just think about getting low-calorie, high-nutrient foods like fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins into your day as much as possible. Just work with the ones you know you like. This way you’re focusing on adding delicious healthy stuff, instead of restricting delicious, less-healthy stuff.
Another important way to reduce calories is to make sure you’re hydrated! Water will help you feel full and has ZERO calories. People also feel “hungry” while they’re dehydrated, so actually this is double-helpful!
I know there’s nothing flashy about water, protein, fruits, and vegetables. They don’t have marketing departments like junk food manufacturers (they even got lobbyists!) and expensive diet plans. They just get the job done. They also taste amazing in case you’ve forgotten.
A good rule of thumb is the more foods that don’t come with a label the better. If your food has a label, read the back of it! The front is usually those pesky marketing departments making it seem healthier than it actually is.
Get good at these basics, stay consistent with them, and you’ll never need another flashy diet again.
Have fun and do your best,
Certified Personal Trainer and Nutrition Coach (American Council on Exercise; Precision Nutrition)