Let’s begin with the actual definition of the word Diet. In nutrition, Diet is the sum of food consumed by a person or an organism.  The word “Diet” gets used more often when one feels the need to be very strict in order to lose any sort of weight. However, what they really mean by the word “Diet” is to be more cautious on their nutrition intake for health or weight- management reasons. But instead, turns the word “Diet” into a destructive, depriving state, and uneducated when comes to nutrition and weight loss. The word “Diet” flows more freely than not without understanding exactly what it entails.

To me “Diet” is a just a fad, which means something one will not stick to very long. You may see quick results, but then before you know it your wondering why you have plateaued, or even worse— your results have disappeared and your back to where you started, OR WORSE! So, tell me why are you depriving yourself from so much at once? Most likely causing more harm to our bodies internally because of being uneducated when it does come from nutrition and foods value.

Take the “Diet” out of your thinking and word choice and let’s find a way to eat balanced while still achieving your ultimate fitness goals. Let’s find what is going to work best for YOU; and do it for a long duration. The key is LONG TERM. Where there is consistency, is where the results start to come… and for good! Short term results in quick results but aren’t necessarily there to stay for good.

Let’s dive into what is the best “Diet” for longevity. What is best for maintaining a BALANCED healthy lifestyle; to reach realistic goals. While keeping in mind these goals are not achieved overnight, but with commitment and consistency comes the ultimate results.

The best “Diet” for longevity is a balanced diet of all three macronutrients; proteins, carbs, and fats. Macronutrients are needed in large quantities and make up calories. A calorie is a unit of measurement that makes up heat provided to the body for energy. It is crucial you are intaking the adequate amounts of each macronutrient for the body to function at its highest potential. Lack of the proper amount of nutrients will result in poor functioning levels and even recovery.

What is Protein? 

• Most important macro out of all three
• Protein intake has the most benefits when wanting to look good and lose fat
• Helps preserve muscle tissue and build new muscle tissue
• More muscle tissue the more sculpted you will appear with a lower body fat percentage
• When you eat more protein, you burn more calories because your body burns more calories when it is in the stages of breaking down the protein that you consume; digestion

What are Carbohydrates?

• Your main fuel source
• Your body, brain, muscles use these (carbs) for energy
• It isn’t about cutting them out but it’s about consuming the right kind of carbohydrate (Quality is what matters. Not process carbs; Whole wheat, high fiber, clean whole carb sources)
• Pro Tip* Around the workouts your body is more insulin sensitive, so focus on intaking more “simple” carb sources

What are Fats? 

• Help your hormone levels function at proper levels (esp. woman)
• Fat and estrogen respond very well together
• When Increased estrogen, the more growth hormone your body produces, the more muscle you can build. Therefore, the more muscle you can build, the more you can eat and loose fat percentage 

There are several “Diets” out there where you completely cut out one macronutrient or a “Diet” that is a larger amount of one macronutrient over another, but you aren’t going to perform on an optimal level. As well as not sticking to the “Diet” long term. Choose a “Diet” that is going to work best for you. If you feel lower carbs, higher protein, moderate fats, works best for your body long term, then fine. Choose a “Diet” you will stick to. I’m here sharing with you what I’ve found works best for an individual long term, while being able to function at optimal levels.

Take home points:

• Living a healthy lifestyle is being healthy from both inside and out
• You should be consuming a balanced diet of all three macronutrients: protein, carbs, fats to live at an optimal and functional level. 
• If you want to try a “Diet” just accept
• Do not expect to see change overnight; Stick to it and results will unfold
• Counting macronutrients should be considered

Stay tuned for another blog post on how to calculate your macronutrients.