Have you ever felt like you were constantly battling your body? Restricting calories, pushing yourself through gruelling workouts, and still feeling tired and sluggish? If so, you’re not alone. Many people fall into the trap of extreme dieting and exercise, only to find themselves frustrated and discouraged.
This blog post explores a different approach to health and wellness, inspired by Amal Wakim’s chat with Sally O’Neil on Equalution’s Chew On This Podcast. Sally learned to ditch the diet mentality and embrace a balanced lifestyle.
The 1200-Calorie Trap: Why Restrictive Diets Don’t Work
The 1200-calorie diet is a common misconception. This one-size-fits-all approach often leads to more harm than good. Our bodies have different calorie needs based on factors like age, weight, and activity level. Severe calorie restriction can lead to muscle loss, hinder weight loss in the long run, and leave you feeling depleted of energy.
Beyond the Calorie Myth: Focus on Nutrient Density
Counting calories can become an obsession, taking the focus away from the quality of the food you’re eating when the focus should be on nutrient density. This means prioritising whole foods packed with vitamins, minerals, and fibre over processed foods that are high in calories but lack essential nutrients.
Developing a Healthy Relationship with Food
Sally and Amal highlight the importance of developing a healthy relationship with food. Instead of restriction and deprivation, the focus should be on mindful eating and intuitive eating. These approaches encourage you to:
- Listen to your body’s hunger cues. Eat when you’re hungry and stop when you’re full.
- Enjoy your food! Food is meant to be pleasurable, not something to be feared.
- Allow yourself occasional indulgences. The 80/20 rule (focusing on healthy choices 80% of the time and allowing flexibility 20% of the time) is a helpful guideline.
The Pitfalls of Overtraining: Finding Exercise Balance
Sally also shares her struggles with exercise. While exercise is crucial for health, it’s important to find a balance. Pushing yourself too hard can lead to burnout, and injuries, and even hinder weight loss goals.
Listen to your body. Rest when you need to, and choose activities you enjoy. Consider incorporating activities like yoga or stretching for a more holistic approach to exercise.
Key Takeaways for Long-Term Health and Wellness
Here are some key takeaways from the conversation to help you on your journey towards a healthy lifestyle:
- Focus on long-term health and sustainability. Don’t fall for quick fixes or fad diets.
- Prioritise nutrient-dense foods and listen to your body’s hunger and fullness cues. Develop a mindful approach to eating.
- Find an exercise routine you enjoy and avoid overdoing it. Listen to your body and prioritise activities you find fun.
- Allow yourself flexibility and don’t be afraid to seek help. A healthcare professional or registered dietitian can provide personalised guidance.
Remember: There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to health and wellness. What works for one person may not work for another. The key is to find a balanced approach that allows you to feel your best, both physically and mentally.
Embrace the Journey: It’s Not About Perfection
Sally graciously shared her journey with us and her last piece of advice was: don’t get discouraged by setbacks. There will be days when you don’t hit your goals perfectly. The important thing is to keep moving forward and learn from your experiences.
By adopting a balanced approach to food and exercise, you can achieve lasting health benefits and create a positive relationship with your body. Equalution can help you ditch the diet mentality and start your journey towards a healthier, happier you!