The topic of how to eat for weight loss is extremely controversial.
There are a million and one diets out there, all claiming their way is the best way.
But how do you choose which one is right for you?
I'd like to introduce you to a concept that I think is very important to consider when choosing how you will eat to lose weight.
And that concept is what I call, "Nourishment VS Punishment".
Most weight loss programs out there focus on what I call "punishment".
They tell you to restrict, reduce, cut out, cut down, eliminate, ban, avoid, etc.
It's all about taking away.
To me, this feels more like punishment than a sustainable, long-term solution to a complex issue.
Instead of focusing on how you can punish yourself while trying to eat for weight loss, I suggest you focus on nourishing yourself.
You see, weight loss should always be a by-product of improved health.
Dieting is punishing, not nourishing. And dieting doesn't work.
We need to find an alternative approach. An approach that is friendly and feels expansive.
This is why I recommend you focus on nourishing your body!
Stop trying to take away before you have filled your body with good nutrients and things that are satisfying on a deeper level.
So, how do you eat for weight loss?
Nourish First!
This means providing your body with enough protein, healthy fats, fiber, and clean water in sufficient amounts.
If you are not sure, you can read these articles on how to get enough protein and fiber, and how to eat healthy fats.
This also means eating at least 80% of your food in a whole food form, not processed.
And it can be very powerful to add in top weight loss superfoods. This feels very nourishing and can make the weight loss journey more pleasurable and easy.
So, yeah, you'll have to be preparing food at home most of the time or at least buying prepared food that is not highly processed.
But you do NOT need to follow some complex and punishing diet to nourish your body.
And the wonderful thing is that once you start giving your body the nutrition it needs then you will have fewer cravings and be less hungry!!
It's a wonderful way to reduce cravings and eat for sustainable weight loss.
But when we talk about nourishment, it's not just food and water, it's also about nourishing your heart, mind, and soul.
What can you do that gives you pleasure that is not food?
I did a great podcast episode about this, which I strongly suggest you listen to.
There are so many wonderful things that can give us pleasure such as reading a good book, dancing to your favorite song, taking a hot shower, doing a puzzle or playing a game, laughing with a child or playing with a pet, stepping outside to appreciate nature, praying or meditating, and so much more.
It's the small things in life that can give us so much pleasure.
I suggest building in some time every day to indulge in the small pleasures of life to nourish your soul and your heart. That is the healthiest "diet" ever!
When you feel nourished physically, emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually, you are much less likely to search for food for comfort or happiness.
Before exploring some fancy diet, how about nourishing yourself and being kind to yourself for once?
This is the answer to understanding how to eat for weight loss and if you do it this way, it can be permanent!
Yet another diet will only cause more weight gain. This has been proven over and over.
