Hi everyone! Yogi here, your friendly neighbourhood IFBB Pro, health coach, personal trainer, and bikini competitor extraordinaire. Let’s talk diets.
I’m practically a guru in that department. But guess what? I even stumble into those pesky dietary traps now and then. So, let’s dive into the five big diet no-nos that I, and many of my clients, have tangoed with. Ready? Let’s munch our way through this!
- Snack Attack! Yep, I’m a pro snacker, much to my hubby’s amusement. I’m not about big meals like pizza or burgers but give me a “bite” of something – and I’m all over it. My taste buds are just super curious! I admit, my snacking game is strong – daily strong. Whether it’s a nibble of a protein bar, an extra carrot, a corner of a sandwich, or a sneaky cookie, I’m there.
Fix it: First, catch yourself in the act. When and why do you snack? Connect it with your emotions. Are you a happy snacker? A sad snacker? A bored snacker? I’m guilty as charged of emotional snacking, especially when peanut butter is within reach. Next step? Swap out those snacks for healthier munchies. Craving crunch? Go for baby carrots, celery, or green beans. Sweet tooth? Try grapes or apples. And for chocolate lovers, protein bars are your new besties. My current favourites? G2G and Fit Crunch. But hey, Think Thin and Quest bars are also top-notch - The Cheat Meal Temptation: Most diets give the green light for one cheat meal a week. Sounds easy, right? Wrong. Often, it turns into a cheat day, week, or – yikes – a whole month. We get tired of the same old foods and when we get a taste of freedom, we just can’t stop.
If your reason is strong enough, your willpower will follow.
Solution: Keep that cheat meal in check. Plan it, savour it, but don’t let it snowball. Remember, sneaky extra bites are only cheating you.
- Water, Water Everywhere… But Not Enough to Drink: It’s easy to mistake thirst for hunger. I’ve been there – thinking I’m hungry when really, I’m just thirsty. My goal? A gallon of water a day. Seems like a lot? Most people don’t even drink a quarter of that.
Solution: Carry a water bottle everywhere. Jazz it up with zero-calorie sweeteners if plain water bores you. MIO’s my go-to, but there’s a whole world of tasty options out there. Even a splash of lemon, mint, or ginger can make hydration more exciting. - Cravings vs. Hunger: The Eternal Battle. I often confuse cravings for real hunger. It’s a common mistake. Trust me, I know.
Fix: A strong mindset is key. Stick to the plan like your life depends on it. Hydrate like a boss and keep temptation out of sight. - The Part-Time Diet Commitment. Be real with yourself – how committed are you, truly? From personal experience, I know that if I snack or cave to cravings, I’m not fully committed. It’s easy to start strong with a healthy breakfast, but as the day goes on, the resolve weakens.
Solution: This one’s tough because it’s all about MINDSET. Ask yourself, “WHY am I doing this?” If your reason is strong enough, your willpower will follow.
There you have it – five dietary slip-ups and how to sidestep them. I hope this gives you some food for thought (pun intended!). Best of luck on your journey!
