Are we obsessed with fad diets? Whole 30, Keto, WW, Mediterranean, WFPB, the list goes on and on. 45 million Americans embark on a new diet plan each year adding up to more than $30 billion spent on weight loss products. Yes, we are obsessed with dieting. Today I had a different article to publish, but for some reason, this question stuck with me. Is there a perfect diet? What makes a diet perfect anyway?
Tara’s Tuesday Tips: Is There a Perfect Diet?
I’m going to answer already, but don’t stop reading … Yes, the perfect diet is out there! But … the perfect diet is not the same for everyone. One person might achieve their health goals eating more or less carbs, another person might feel better eating more or less fat, and another swears by their veganism. Who is right? Which one is perfect? There is growing evidence suggesting that there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all diet. That being said, we sure do try to fit into that one little diet box that social media, magazines, and mainstream media tell us to fit into. It is super easy to get sucked into the latest and greatest trend. The new thing that is going to fix everything! Time for a mindset shift on that, fam.
The Perfect Diet Should Help You Thrive Not Just Keep You Alive
To answer if there is a perfect diet or not, let’s start by agreeing on this: the perfect diet should help you thrive not just keep you alive. So, your diet needs to be inclusive of foods that make you thrive, be your best self, help you feel good, give you energy, help you fight off illness, and above all make you happy.
Tara’s Tips For Finding YOUR Perfect Diet:
If you are forever searching for the perfect diet, the next best thing, the one diet that is going to change your life, stop searching and reflect. There is no universal diet perfect for all humans on the planet. There are, however, criterion that make a diet perfect:
Sustainability
- If you can’t sustain the style of eating long term, ditch that diet very quickly. Fad diets fade fast.
Affordability
- Remember when I said Americans spend $30 billion per year on weight loss diets. Stop doing weird stuff and save your money.
Provides Fuel For Your Activity Level
- I go into lots of detail on this in my article Tips For Plant-Powered Athletes. Eat enough to fuel the activities you love. Conversely, if you are experiencing unwanted weight gain, might be time to look at your fuel intake vs activity level.
Variety
- In my article, Is Dietary Variety Really That Important?, I highlight the reasons perhaps a lack of variety is a good thing on our path to a healthy life. This can sometimes backfire without the right balance. Perhaps your weekday lunches lack variety but dinners are more fun, and that is sustainable.
Does It Fit Your Social Life?
- Any diet that has you consistently saying no to things is not perfect. No to outings with friends because there will be food you can’t eat, no to meals with your family on weekends, no to your favorite things that you miss eating. All not perfect. Know your why and stick with it.
Makes You Feel Good
- I came to the realization lately that so many of you don’t know what it means to really feel good. Food has a lot to do with that. My best advice with this is that your perfect diet is one that makes you feel good, sleep good, accomplish your goals, and be an active participant in your life. When you eat something, ask yourself how it made you feel. Sluggish? Energized? Bloated? Read more here: The Vegetarian’s Guide To Mood Boosting Foods.
Availability
- Is the food in your perfect diet easy to get? Some of you have told me that you find these fix-all diets promoted by people on Instagram, and because you desperately want to look like the Instagrammer, you have to buy expensive foods that aren’t easy for you to get on a regular basis. Question if you are doing weird stuff and why you are doing it and stop it. Healthy, yummy, feel good foods are readily available to most without fancy things that you buy through an Instagram link. Make it easy on yourself and it will be perfect.
Does It Align With Your Values?
- For example, a high protein, no carb diet does not align with my values. I eat to fuel my runs and that is something I value so carbs are a necessity for me. Secondly, I won’t eat a diet high in animal protein because I won’t eat anything that had to lose its life so that I can eat. I can easily state these values and it makes me happy to have my perfect diet that aligns with that. Ultimately, it comes down to finding your values and then your perfect diet will naturally follow.
Food For Thought
You made it to the end so I will give you my honest answer: the only perfect diet is the one that is perfect for you. At this point you might be asking yourself why I didn’t just tell you that I want you all to be vegetarian and everything will be perfect. Yes, keep reading my blog + making my yummy recipes BUT see how it makes you feel! If not eating animals is a high priority for you, then there you go! There is no quick fix for weight loss or miracle pill or powder. What works for you may not work for me. You will find your perfect diet when you stop looking for the next best thing and focus on your why, and align your actions with your values. Be mindful of how food and movement make you feel, manage your stress, get some rest, and drink water! I call these Tara’s basics. Above all, stressing out about food and sticking to the perfect diet will do you more harm than good. Happy Tuesday, fam.
⭐️What do you think? Is there a perfect diet? Leave a comment below, I love to hear from you! ⭐️
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