There is so much confusing information in the media about the best nutritional guidelines for optimum health and weight loss. Many experts advocate a high protein, high fat diet, others a mediterranean style diet, many others say a complete vegan diet is optimal. But what is the actual truth?
Also could you potentially be hiding behind this wall of confusion and actually stopping yourself from loosing weight?
Many people use apparently complex issues to hide behind, as this gives a more logic explanation for why they can't or haven't reached their health goals yet. Strip away this complexity and notice that you start making better, more effective health choices.
"Most complex issues are indeed complex at the upper end of education/learning - but 90% of us are not at this upper end, read less, keep it simple"
Myself and Ash were having this exact conversation this morning regarding the amount of confusing and often conflicting information people have to search through to gain any clear answers on achieving better health and weight loss. We both agreed that many clients we see and people we know are simply unsure and confused about the best path to take to achieve good health, let alone substantial weight loss. So let's keep it as simple and practical as possible.
We have come up with a few simple but highly effective, evidence-based strategies for improved health and weight loss that don't need to be confusing or complex to follow.
Eat less meat especially low grade, highly processed meats such as ham, sausages, bacon, charcuterie.
Eat at least 5 portions of fruit and vegetables per day, with an even split between both.
Consume at least 1 cup of beans or pulses per day, which include chickpeas, kidney beans, black beans, turtle beans, lentils etc.
Swap highly processed carbohydrates for wholegrain choices. This could include, white bread for wholegrain, white pasta for wholegrain, white rice for wholemeal basmati, crackers for oat cakes/rice cakes, sugary cereals for oats.
Eat more nuts and seeds to keep your healthy fats topped up, whilst also reducing your saturated fat.
Drink more clear fluids, swap your fizzy or squash for lemon water or herbal teas. Aiming for at least 2 litres per day (8-10 glasses).
These 6 strategies are based upon current evidence, our knowledge and experience of working with 100's of clients. They are simple yet very effective when followed consistently over a long period of time.
"Over-analysis breeds paralysis"
Ever read something with lots of information in and felt even more confused afterwards? This is over-analysis that can breed paralysis and procrastination, which makes actions even harder. To cement consistent action and promote healthy behaviours try not to read too much, stick with the basics and keep things simple.
Use the 6 basic strategies above to improve your well-being and when followed can; increase your energy levels, reduce your body fat, lower cholesterol levels, reduce nutrient deficiencies and ultimately have you feeling healthier and happier.
Give us a shout if you have any questions regarding this article or anything else you have read in the media that you want simple answers about. You do not have to be a member or client to warrant our help! Our passion is helping people through improved health and fitness - Were here to help!
FF team