Are you convinced that restricting yourself from eating the foods you love is the only way to lose weight? According to one expert, this isn’t the case. Helen Laverick is an online coach who helps her clients achieve their best bodies without “cutting out the food you love.” In a new social media post, she reveals that many people's misconceptions prevent them from achieving their weight loss goals.
She Used to Make Mistakes
“I say this with SO MUCH LOVE,” she writes. When I was so desperate to lose weight, I made a huge mistake. I decided to restrict the ‘bad’ foods, the ones I loved, and pushed myself down the rabbit hole of eating ‘clean’ only and overtraining.... LIKE SERIOUSLY🤯 Eating ‘Clean,’” she writes.
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She Ate Too Little and Ended Up at Her Breaking Point
“I thought that was the formula to get me where I needed to be, but instead, I ended up with breakouts, low in mood, hormonal imbalances, depression, and anxiety - I was a breaking point,” she continues.
She Started Viewing Food As Fuel
“Here’s the thing: there are no ‘good’ or ‘bad’ foods,” she says. “Food is fuel. Sure, eating high-protein, high-fiber foods does wonders for your body and energy, but your favorite treats are part of life too. So here’s exactly how I learned to enjoy the foods I love while still losing weight.”
Set Your Calorie and Protein Goals
Her first tip is setting your calorie and protein goals. “Aim for about 1 to 1.5 grams of protein per pound of body weight. This helps keep your body fueled and supports muscle growth and amazing for fat loss!” she writes.
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Adopt an 80/20 Approach:
Next, adopt an 80/20 approach. “Let 80% of your diet be nutrient-dense and structured, and 20% be flexible. This way, you’re not depriving yourself of the foods that bring you joy!” she continues.
Structure Your Meals
Next, structure your meals. “Make breakfast, dinner, and tea the foundation of your day with at least 30 grams of protein and plenty of fiber. Add two high-volume snacks to keep you satisfied between meals - Don't just jump into a 500 kcal deficit! Maybe consider a 200 kcal deficit from your maintenance kcals to begin with and monitor over time,” she suggests.
Use Your Remaining Calories for Flexibility
Her last tip is to use your remaining calories for flexibility. “If you have, say, 200 extra calories after your planned meals and snacks, enjoy something like some crisps or a serving of low-calorie ice cream. These little indulgences literally kept me sane and on track. When I told myself I wasn’t allowed these things, I ended up binge eating or starving myself instead... I was stuck in a constant cycle of staying the same and feeling shit!” she says.
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Balance Is Key
The bottom line? “Remember, balance is key. Embrace the foods you love, plan smartly, and be kind to yourself...progress happens over time!” she writes. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.