FITNESS
The Best Diet
Healthy Eatting Can Be Easier Than It Seems BY BRIAN TULLY, MS
T
he weather is finally turning, the COVID vaccine is rolling out and numbers are declining. We are all longing for those days of being able to get out to enjoy the weather and socialize with friends again. But as we start thinking about those trips to the beach or the pool, we are reminded of our pandemic gluttony we have become accustomed to in these past months. Our next thought is, “YIKES, I don’t want everyone to see all this hibernation weight I put on. I need a diet that will get me results fast.” We head to Google to find the latest and greatest diet. Unfortunately, your search returns numerous options. Where do you begin? Which is the best?
Maybe you ask a friend or family member who has recently lost weight. You will certainly hear responses like, “You should try Keto, my husband and I both lost so much weight doing it.”
Or “Cut out all sugars, that’s the key.” Or “Plant-based has made me feel amazing, and think of all the animals you will save.” Most likely their suggestion is based on personal experience. Which is great for them, but probably not great for you. The problem is this approach doesn’t take into account the differences in peoples’ goals, lifestyle, preferences, body type, etc. Honestly, with so many differences, how can anyone expect there to be a one best diet? Personally, I don’t believe in a one best diet, and I would encourage you to do the same. The best approach is a combination of many theoretical diets out there. It is better to focus on fundamental dietary principles that can be universally applied. Focusing on food quality, personal nutritional deficiencies and needs, and controlling quantity of food intake, will provide a better longterm approach. So where to start then? Most people focus on what to eat when trying to get in better shape; but research shows that this is less important than paying attention to how you eat. Before changing the menu, focus on eating slowly and mindfully. Eating Slowly and Mindfully helps to: -Eat less without feeling deprived -Look and feel better (due to improved digestion)
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-Learn the feeling of actually being Hungry or Full -Stop the binge eating Want to give this Slow and Mindful way of eating a try? Follow these steps: 1. Sit at a table, with no other distrac-
tions. Just you and the food. 2. Look at what you’re about to eat. Notice what you’ve chosen. 3. Take a bite of food. Chew slowly. Notice the scent, taste, texture, and temperature.
