Which diet is the healthiest?

Are you unhappy with the condition you’re in? Are you considering changing your diet in hopes to attain your health and wellness goals? Are you wondering which diet is best? With so many different options available, no wonder you question which ones work and which one is right for you! It’s important to recognize that not all diets are created equal! What will work best for you may not be the same as someone else based on differences in activity level, dietary restrictions, allergies, sensitivities, current health conditions and family history. Understanding these factors can help shed light on the opportunities available to optimize your health. With that said, there are some common elements across many which have provided favorable results which includes reducing consumptions of processed foods and decreasing your intake of refined sugars.

Here are 5 questions to ask yourself when selecting a diet:

1) What is your Commitment Level? – What’s driving you to want to make a change? Understanding the real reason behind why you desire a change is critical. I recall recognizing my own health deteriorating, the thoughts of being left on the sidelines, unable to play with my kids as they grow up, was what motivated me to make a change and stick to it! Keeping your driving force front in mind can do wonders with increasing your commitment to break bad habits and replacing them with healthy ones.

2) Is the Diet Science Based? – Don’t believe everything you hear.  Before trying the latest trend, or fad diet being promoted on social media, do some research.  Seek out credible sources of information or professionals who can work with you as you decide which diet is best for you.

3) Are the Changes Sustainable? – Are you looking for quick results or attaining results that will stand the test of time? I’ll suggest focusing on the latter is more productive and increases the likelihood of sustaining your results over the long term. Using the example with weight loss, quick losses are often followed by quick gains. Quick fix crash diets tend to be quite restrictive and although may provide significant progress initially, they are difficult and sometimes not advisable to follow. I never liked the term diet. The way the term diet is used today infers that there is a beginning and an end. In order to maintain these gains, you can’t revert back to old habits once the diet is over. Doing the same thing but expecting different results is what Einstein actually defined as insanity! Sourcing out alternatives to include into your diet that are both healthy and enjoyable to eat is key in being able to sustain the changes.

4) Does the Diet Meet Daily Nutrient Requirements? – When considering diet options, it’s best to think in terms of total nutrition rather than an individual outcome, like weight loss.  You need to ensure you are eating the foods that provide your body with what it needs. There are defined amounts of macro & micronutrients we need to survive and thrive. Consuming adequate amounts of protein, carbohydrates, fats, along with intaking enough water, vitamins and minerals has an impact on so many aspects of our life.  

Diet deficiencies can negatively impact your:

• quality and quantity of sleep,
• ability to focus,
• ability to make good decisions,
• memory,
• energy level
• and so much more!

Being aware of how you feel, your daily recommended intake compared to your actual consumption, and how you are showing up each day is a great way to help evaluate what changes to consider and the impact they have.

5) Do you have the Support you Need? – Sourcing support from others is a great way to ensure your success.  When it comes to making a change, strengthening your accountability can go a long way. Telling your partner, or a friend is a great way to solidify your intent. Surrounding yourself with people who will support you rather than tempt you should be another consideration. Working with a coach is another option if you’re looking for additional accountability, resources and support.

While dieting, there’s a tendency to pay more attention to what we are eating and avoiding foods that are considered unhealthy, leading to desired results.  Adjusting your mindset to think of your diet in terms of nutrition and pursuing changes you can maintain for the long run is the key to sustainable results!