Creating A Healthy Eating Plan

One of the most special things about human beings is that they are each unique and special in their own way.  You are totally different to me; and I am totally different to your neighbor.  It is part of what makes us so fascinating and wonderful – we are unique.  So if we are all unique then why do people who create these various diet and exercise programs assume that we will all lose weight eating the same foods as each other?  Wouldn’t it make more sense to have an eating plan for example that suited you and your lifestyle specifically?

What Makes You Tick

We all have different body rhythms – you might be a night owl; your partner an early riser.  You might be at your most energetic as the sun is setting; while your partner can jump out of bed at 5am without a second thought.  He might prefer to have three full meals a day; while you probably graze on food whenever you have the chance.  If you are busy all day, you might only eat in the evenings and skip breakfast: another person might have a really healthy breakfast, but then eat fish and chips for lunch three times per week because they have not got time to cook a meal at home.  We are all different.

Eating plans rarely take into account the differences we have.  They are based on calorie counts; maintaining energy levels through the day; and restricting various foods.  This in itself is not a bad thing – for example research has shown that eating five small meals per day is better than three big ones.  It is also better for you to have a decent breakfast than start snacking on foods high in sugar at morning coffee because you are hungry and your body is screaming for some quick energy.  Eating foods laden with fats, starch and other “heavy” ingredients is not

that good for you late at night, because your stomach would appreciate a rest when you go to sleep; not have to work overtime to process the remains of your huge dinner.  These types of facts have stood the test of time and so to base eating plans on these ideas is not a bad thing.  BUT

We Are Not All Fat For The Same Reason

In the Introduction I mentioned that being overweight can be caused through stress, genetics, hormonal changes and a sedentary lifestyle.  You can also become overweight through eating foods lacking in nutrition.  Did you also know you can become fat through not eating at all – putting your body into starvation mode will actually trigger it to store every calorie you put into your mouth as fat because it is not sure when you are going to eat again.  Other things that can make losing weight difficult can include prescription medications such as anti-depressants; a low iron count; smoking; and drinking alcohol and illnesses such as problems with thyroid or diabetes.

What Can You Do About This?

The most effective way to get an eating plan that works for you is to see your own medical professional first.  You need to make sure that your weight is not caused by any medical condition and you also need to have a blood test so you can be sure that you are not lacking in vital minerals and nutrients such as iron, zinc, magnesium and vitamin D.  Then you need to talk to your health practitioner to work out what aspects in your lifestyle might make it difficult to lose weight.  These can include shift work, overwork, stress, pregnancy (you should not diet if you are pregnant, but your doctor can advise what foods will be most helpful for both you and your baby), having to take care of kids or elderly parents and economics (healthy food can sometimes be more expensive than junk food). Your doctor will also ask you about your smoking and drinking habits; whether or not you sleep regularly and what you do for exercise.

Armed with that information it will be a lot easier for your health professional to show you the little ways you can make changes to your eating patterns so you are eating the rights foods for your body.  They can also advise you on exercises you can fit into your lifestyle and recommend other tips on how you can change your lifestyle to reflect the healthier way you want to be.

If you take the time out and expend the effort required to set up a healthy eating plan you will be much less likely to be at the mercy of the excess of food that is around you and much more likely to be able to maintain a weight closer to your ideal goal.

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