Less Isn't Always More- When it Comes to Eating

For many years women (and men) have been sucked into this preconceived notion that if you eat less that you'll lose weight. To start off with the basics technically speaking, yes. If you eat less you will lose weight. But eating less meals means you aren't replenishing your body and giving it the nutrients that it needs. So in fact this could have a worse effect then we sometimes realize.

There are thousands of different diets out there that limit certain food groups or all food all together. If you've tried one or fifteen and feel like "this just isn't for me" then 1 you are not alone and 2 you are right! Many "fad diets" are based off the beliefs that limiting certain food groups or food all together is the answer. Have you ever started a diet and by the end of week one you are starving, cranky, don't look or feel any different and end up binging? You are not alone here either! That's actually pretty normal. When you begin to deprive your body of things that it wants and needs you will eventually give in.

For women over the years we've been told that 1200 calories is the number to stand by. Not taking into account a females weight, height, activity levels and so much more. There are some women where 1200 calories is the perfect guide for them and for others it just isn't possible. That's the beauty of humans, we're all created differently.

So going back to the title "Less isn't always more when it comes to eating" it isn't. It's just not. When you eat less food through out the day you are putting your body into starvation mode. You are telling your body that since no more food is coming in we need to go into protection mode. Almost like how bears eat like crazy so they can sleep for the winter months and have enough fat to keep them alive, you are in a sense creating the same thing. When you don't nourish your body, your body begins to store what food it does have in it as fast to protect your vital organs and essentially keep you alive. How amazing are our bodies, right? But as amazing as they are, we still need to cherish them. Over time you may lose weight in this sense but in the long run you may actually begin to gain weight or completely plateau.

There is a solution though! Eat! You don't need to starve yourself to lose weight. In fact if you haven't taken anything away from what I just said, understand this. To lose weight properly and keep it off, you need to eat. Eat and you will lose. How? Your body lives for healthy carbs and fats, proteins, fruits and vegetables. So give your body what it wants! This obviously doesn't mean go binge on McDonald's everyday even if it fits in your calories. But allow yourself to eat. Food is a form of self love. When we respond to our bodies needs with beautiful foods it will reward us. Remember, the most important relationship you will ever have is with yourself, so cherish it!

Give yourself the promise to eat. Allocate meals every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner along with a couple of snacks in between your meals. You will keep your metabolism boosted and keep your body from crashing. Plus who really likes to deprive themselves? I'll answer that one- no one! Reward your body and nourish it with the healthy food it deserves and it will reward you in return!