Life can get hectic. We live fast-paced and day-to-day, sometimes only worrying about those around us. But even when our to-do list is miles long, we must choose to prioritize ourselves. And that includes our health.
Our body should be our best friend. She’s the one in our lives we can always count on to take care of us as long as we take care of her. We have an obligation to treat her with respect, and that starts with our diet.
Now, the word diet may send a shiver up your spine or put a smile on your face. No matter what side of the spectrum you fall on, most diets boil down to these three concepts: having a caloric deficit, understanding your medical needs, and learning your preferences.
Let’s break those down!
Caloric Deficits: Crafting The Best Diet Plan To Nourish Your Body
While there are more diet options out there than we have the time to count, one thing that really makes a good diet pop, according to science – is a caloric deficit. That sounds easy right? Just burn more calories than you eat on a daily basis. Weight loss achieved. Done!
But what if you achieve that weight loss goal yet lack the energy and nutrient stores to function?
In theory, meeting a caloric deficit may be easy. However, the more important task is being strategic about what you are actually feeding yourself to get there. In short, you must remember to move beyond the numbers on the scale and focus on nourishing well while making the shift.
What does this mean?
Remember to focus on your body’s unique requirements as you choose the foods you consume while in deficit. Are you reducing your meat intake and need to consider where you will get your iron from? Are you training and need to prioritize carbohydrate and protein timing? Lean into those needs and prioritize them.
It’s more than just cutting calories and shedding; it is about getting cozy with your body and feeding it the most resourceful foods that keep your energy, attitude, and relationship with food on point.
Medical Needs: Customizing Diets Based On Individual Risks
Speaking of unique requirements, let’s dive deeper.
Our bodies have their own needs, especially regarding issues like heart health, diabetes, and gut issues. These are common issues that women of color are at high risk for and should be considered when partaking in any diet.
The unfortunate part? This is typically not considered in the most popular diets you see online. But does that mean it should not be at the forefront of our minds? No.
Before hopping on any diet train and cutting calories with a fast, all-fruit, or carnivore diet, ask yourself: will this support my need to improve my heart health? My gut health? My diabetes?
If you are unsure, prioritize finding healthcare practitioners who understand our bodies and our goals. When you work with a professional who truly cares about you, they can help clarify your body’s needs and create a personalized nutrition plan that feeds your body well.
Plus, nothing is better than having clarity on your needs and waking up to the feeling of “I got this!” instead of guilt every day.
Preferences: Staying True to Yourself In A Sea Of Diet Options
Now, we’ve all learned from shopping at any store in the mall that one size does NOT fit all. So why, with all the many options in the food court, would we assume that same thing for our diets?
Whether you’re vegan, follow specific cultural restrictions, or just have a love for Southern cooking, you’re allowed to own it. You’re allowed to eat it.
You don’t have to follow what your sister did because it worked for her. And you don’t have to cut out a food you love because your coworker watched a documentary about it. Resisting societal pressures and comparison is how you make your wellness journey your own.
Finding joy in your dietary choices fosters a sustainable and enjoyable approach to health, making it more likely to become a lifelong commitment rather than a temporary fix. Your end game may be different than the woman next to you.
But in order to get there, you have to determine what it is you’re working towards. More energy? Better mental clarity? Boss-level productivity? Building muscle? Results aren’t always seen on the scale, in caloric deficits or fasts. It’s all about making choices that align with YOUR vision and celebrating the beauty of being uniquely you.
What’s Next?
Embrace your wellness journey and transform your health! Our dietitians are here to help guide you to a diet plan that fits your body’s needs and feeds your taste buds. If you need like-minded women on the same journey to a healthier lifestyle, hop in the Sis Chat to feel the love!