Nobody is taking away my daily nighttime cereal. It will stay in my diet regardless of what my goals are.
Why? Because I like it. It makes eating more enjoyable. It keeps me from feeling restricted and deprived. And that prevents an old binge eating disorder from flaring up.
When I have to eat less, I start cutting out foods that I DON’T enjoy as much. That seems like such an obvious thing to do, yet most people do the opposite.
When they have a weight loss goal they immediately go and start cutting out the things they like.
Carbs are a big one. As if they are somehow the limiting factor in weight loss.
Look – if eating lower carb makes you feel your best then have at it. That’s what’s important.
But only a calorie deficit leads to weight loss. And your goal should be to create that deficit without noticing you’re in one.
The easiest way to do that is to keep the things you like – the things that make your eating most enjoyable. And then find ways to reduce the rest.
It’s sooo much easier to let go of the foods you don’t enjoy than it is to sacrifice all the ones you do.
Again – carbs are not the limiting factor in weight loss. Energy balance is.
You can eat zero carbs and be in a caloric surplus and you will gain weight. And you can eat 300g of carbs a day and lose weight so long as you’re in a caloric deficit.
It’s all about finding the right balance of food that keeps you satiated, satisfied, and properly fueled for physical activity.
Very rarely with a client do I focus on fat and carbs. If we do count calories or macros we focus on total calories, protein, and servings of fruits and veggies each day.
Those are the important things. Fat and carb ratios I allow to fall into place naturally based on taste preferences.
Why? Because eating that way is what keeps you most consistent. Suppressing carbs when you enjoy eating carbs isn’t sustainable.
So if you like carbs, then eat the carbs. ✌️