Nutrition and diets seem to be on a level of religious status these days. People swear by them as the end-all-be-all way of living, claim to cure disease, if you eat a certain food you are damned to hell, and these foods will cleanse the already cleansing and healthy organs like the liver and kidneys…
Sugar is the devil. Carbs are the devil. Gluten is the devil. Fat is the devil. Animal protein is the devil…. CAN I GET AN AMEN?!?!
Whatever happened to finding what works for you and keeping it to yourself, or at least not talking about it like it is some sort of miracle approach, or pushing it on others?
It’s one thing to suggest something that worked for you might work for someone else, but it’s another to use a social media platform and proclaim from the top of a mountain that you are telling people the right way to eat, and the right way is your way – or even worse consider yourself a nutrition coach…
HOWEVER…
I GIVE YOU THE 10 COMMANDMENTS OF NUTRITION!
There are some things, that should be accepted as universal when it comes to our diet. Keep in mind, these would be for a generally healthy person because certain medical issues have their own set of rules and nutrition guidelines.
1 – Thou Shall Drink Water – our bodies are made of a lot of water, so it’s a good idea to drink a lot of it. Simple.
2 – Thou Shall Eat Vegetables – all colors, mix it up, we all know veggies are good for us.
3 – Thou Shall Eat Protein – no matter what your goals are, you do need some level of protein in your diet to not only survive (because just surviving is lame) but to thrive! Studies have shown that while not necessary, or advantageous, HEALTHY individuals can consume 2g/per pound of body weight in protein with NO adverse effects.
4 – Thou Shall Minimize Processed Junk Food – eat your heart out IIFYM pop tart eaters… while some may be able to do this, the fact of the matter is it’s not a long-term approach nor an ideal diet for a healthy, optimal lifestyle, or diet that is promoting internal cellular health, longevity, and minimal inflammation.
5 – Thou Shall Minimize Trans Fat Intake – going off of 4, Trans Fats – partially hydrogenated oils found in processed baked goods, poor quality desserts, greasy foods, etc. have been shown to be the one fat that we can all agree on is bad for your body.
6 – Thou Shall Listen to Thy Body – feel like pooping yourself after drinking milk? Feel like you are 9 months pregnant after eating Chinese food? Have to run to the bathroom after eating pasta? Then maybe your body is trying to tell you something! Awareness is key, and if you really listen to your body, it will tell you what you shouldn’t be eating.
7 – Thou Shall Not Drink Calories – the only time I recommend drinking calories is when someone is trying to gain weight. The fewer calories you can drink, the better off you will be – plain and simple.
8 – Thou Shall Not Covet Thy Neighbors Diet – “Tina is doing _____, I am going to do that too!” If you haven’t noticed, the human body is super complex. We are all different. Just because something works for one person, doesn’t mean it will work for others. Refer to #6 as well.
9 – Thou Shall Try to Prepare Their Own Food as Much as Possible – most restaurants’ meals weigh in at easily over 1000 calories. The more control you have over what you put in your mouth, the more success you are likely to have.
10 – Thou Shall Not Be An A-Hole About Other’s Nutrition – if someone is getting results, and they are enjoying their diet, let it be. Even if you don’t agree with them, if they are ENJOYING it, that’s great.
However, if someone is hating the diet plan that someone else told them they NEED to do, this would be an opportunity to step in and show them the light – that no matter what diet you choose to or have to follow, it probably doesn’t need to be as painful or bad as you might think.
If you need help getting started, look no further than online coaching. Training and nutrition! Let me help you find the best plan for you – from anywhere in the world.
For more information, click HERE!
Like what you read? Want to get even more weekly wisdom, training tips, and nutrition nuggets along with up to date blog posts sent directly to your email? Sign up HERE!