This seems like a pretty good place to start because after all, nutrition is everything. My desire to provide education and clear up murkiness around this topic is fuelled by the fact that no matter how ‘straightforward’ nutrition CAN be, it is complicated by so many factors. From fad diets and societal expectations, to how our emotional state can dictate our food choices.

I’m not a dietitian. I’m not a psychologist. I am a personal trainer who acknowledges that the world of dieting and training is a tough nut to crack, further complicated by the toxicity of the fitness industry.

On a daily basis, we are seeing people who are subjectively “hotter”, stronger, leaner, and more “toned” than us. They seemingly possess all the things we think we want. This only pulls at our psychological strings, and adds fuel to fires that may have existed within us for years, even decades. 

No wonder we struggle to find the absolute best diet for us.

I am not immune to this either. I am exposed to the these same societal expectations and beauty standards. I have thoughts like, “I’m a PT and I don’t look like one! I need to be more toned and have bigger muscles”. I’m human too and not immune to this.

In an almost impossible attempt to simplify a topic that is very complex, I want you to ask yourself – “what is the best diet for me?” I’ll tell you the answer. Because no matter who you are and what your goals are, the best diet for you is the one that allows your body to function at its best. Full. Stop.

No matter who you are, what your do or where you’re from, we are all the same. We have a brain, heart, gut, muscles, bones, & skin. And if you remove all the external noise, then you can agree with me that the one job of food that REALLY matters, above all else, is to provide our body with the nutrients it needs to function at its very best i.e. keep us healthy. 

So, what role does nutrition play? Everything in our body needs specific nutrients, and energy, to carry out its function. If we fuel it correctly, we give ourselves the best chance to function optimally. However, if we don’t consume enough energy or cut out specific nutrients, our body will naturally not operate at its best, and attempt to conserve energy by making sacrifices. Examples? Increased fatigue, more frequent bouts of illness, drier skin, hair loss, reduction in bone mineral density or muscle atrophy.

Please don’t misconstrue this as fear-mongering! As I stated at the start, I’m coming from a place of education and clearing up murkiness around this topic. After all, and I know it’s anecdotal evidence, but in my PT experience, I have seen more people who don’t eat enough rather than too much.

So, my BEST piece of advice? 

Eat to be your HEALTHIEST self. 

Focus on forming healthy habits, and create a foundation built on health & function. Aim to consume all nutrients (carbohydrates, fats & protein) and from a variety of sources as this is what our body needs! Then once that is established, you can start thinking about further goals such as strength, performance, or aesthetics – if applicable.  

Let how you feel be #1, and your body be a by-product of these healthy choices.

Lastly, appreciate the heck out of what your body can do!

*Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is for educational purposes and should not be considered medical advice. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any medical conditions. For further assistance with your nutrition, please consult a qualified health professional before making any changes to your diet or lifestyle. If needing a referral for a dietitian, please contact me via email [email protected].