Flexible Dieting...Are You Being Mislead?

Flexible Dieting. What it is and What it isn't.

              "Changing your body should be challenging, but not stressful"

         As of now, many of you have probably noticed the huge growth in flexible dieters. They flood your timeline with pictures of creative meals, fast food and random pastries. You can also identify flexible dieters by taking a look at their hashtags, it might look something like... #FlexibleDieting, #Macros, #IIFYM, and a few others that require more creativity than I'm in possession of.  But what is it? Is it really eating copious amounts of junk food and still making progress? Or, is it being able to eat 4 boxes of Pop Tarts a day and let that count as your carbohydrate allowance? First things first, I am a flexible dieter and I am a huge supporter of REAL Flexible Dieting.  Flexible Dieting IS NOT pounding ridiculous amounts of anything just because it meets your macronutrient goal.  Some will argue with me on this saying that there is no such thing as a good or bad protein; because, regardless if you are getting protein from chicken breast or a Snicker's Bar, it is still protein that yields 4 kilocalories per gram. Got it! But, when it comes down to being nutrient dense (micronutrients, amino acids, fatty acids, etc), are you really getting the same value from the candy bar that you are getting from chicken breast? Probably not.  

How crazy is it to work hard to lose 5+ pounds just to throw it all away because you can't control your cravings? Its counterproductive and you will be back at square one repeating the same goal before every New Year,"beach season" or event.  It's ridiculous!

Flexible dieting is a method of "dieting" that is sustainable.  Do you really think that you will eat dry chicken breast, sweet potatoes and broccoli every meal for the rest of your life? How about that oh so delicious tilapia with a side of asparagus? Hell no. It's being able to enjoy life and food without battling the mental struggles that accompany an eating disorder. Yes, obsessing over what kind of foods you can or cannot eat in pursuit of the ideal body is an eating disorder. Flexible dieting still requires discipline and eating nutrient dense foods, but you are able to enjoy your food while avoiding cravings and binge eating. You have the "flexibility" to try different recipes, eat something different everyday of the week, and enjoy a night out with your friends while still making progress and not being a social outcast.  The REAL Flexible Dieters out there are still fueling their bodies with foods that provide them with everything they need with room to enjoy a pastry of some sort without worry.  Don't be mislead by the social media hype. 

Flexible dieting is easy if done correctly. Put an end to yo-yo dieting and begin eating in a way that will allow you to look good for life, instead of just a season. Do you have questions about flexible dieting? Send a message via my Contact Us Page and let me or one of my trainers answer it for you. 

Yours in Fitness,

Derrick White