Nutritional Guidance for Any Goal
The thing about nutrition is that EVERYONE and ANYONE can use some form of nutritional guidance.
It doesn't matter the goal, your history with nutrition or even what you eat. Nutritional guidance can help you reach a goal, maintain, experiment with your body--you name it.
You've likely heard horror stories of nutritionists and dietitians drastically lowering calories, cutting carbs or fats and forcing gallons of water to be sucked down daily. Here's the thing: that doesn't need to be done.
You don't need to eat next to nothing, you can eat plenty of carbs and fats, and while you should drink enough water, you don't need gallons per day.
In cutting out food groups, lists of foods and eating the same thing for every meal, every day, you're not only doing things you don't have to do, but you're involving yourself in a process that isn't maintainable.
Why lose 20 pounds if you're going to gain it back (+ more)?
What are some nutrition myths that we'd like you to stop and think about?
AVOID ALL SUGAR...EVEN FRUIT.
Short Answer: Not necessary. While sugar is not the best thing for you to eat, it's not going to magically make you gain weight. A fun fact: Every carbohydrate breaks down into sugar. The sprouted quinoa you spent $8 for will break down into sugar similarly to the way a cookie will.
EAT CERTAIN FOODS TO HELP YOU BURN FAT
Short Answer: Not true. We'll rephrase this one: Certain foods can help to increase your metabolism and/or stimulate hormones that contribute to fat loss. There is no specific food that will magically cause the fat to melt off your body, however, certain foods have properties that can assist in the process.
CERTAIN FOODS WILL CAUSE YOU TO GAIN FAT
Short Answer: Nope. There are no foods that cause fat gain. Any food can cause you to gain fat if eaten in excess.
GLUTEN FREE, DAIRY FREE = HEALTHY
Short Answer: Unless you have Celiac disease or another medical reason to avoid gluten, you do not need to in an effort to be healthier. Just because there is a food item that is gluten and dairy free, doesn't mean it's better or healthier.
Two Cookies (Not GLUTEN FREE vs. GLUTEN FREE) = mere 40 calories different per serving, however, the gluten filled cookie is 5g larger so they're actually about the same.
CUT ALL THE CARBS TO LOSE WEIGHT
Short Answer: You can cut carbs to lose weight, however, you certainly don't have to. In weight loss, we need a caloric deficit (eating less than you're burning). Overall, carbs are less satiating then fats and protein so a lower carb diet can help you feel fuller while eating less. Carbs also hold water which is why we see instant weight loss when they are reduced.
EATING EVERY 2-3 HOURS IS REQUIRED FOR FAT LOSS
Short Answer: Not true. Eat when you're hungry and eat the right amount. It doesn't really matter when you eat.
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Here's the overall TRUTH: there is no one size fits all approach when it comes to nutrition, however, any nutritional program shouldn't just get you instant results. It should be sustainable and maintainable so that you can have the health and body you desire forever, not just for 8 weeks!
