Diets, Fasting, Carbs.... lets get the bottom of what works.

Something I don't talk a lot about is my relationship with food. I (like most women) have tried preeeeetty much every diet out there. Low carb? Keto? Paleo? Vegetarian? Whole 30.

Check.

But... what works?

First let me say, I am not a nutritionist. I have done a lot of research and have done a lot of trial and error, but I am by no means claiming to have a degree or anything- so take my words as you will.

Here is my experience. No "diet" is going to work. Sticking to whole foods (meaning not processed) and eating a variety of different foods... that works! The trick here is to get to the point where you can listen to your body. Is that easy to do? In the beginning, no. Its really hard to get out of the habit of not buying packaged processed foods! Its hard to plan ahead and cook for yourself. Its hard to listen to your body and not your emotions or the outside world.

When you are able to listen to your body though, you realize that your body will tell you exactly what you need. I found that what my body needed when I was 20 is completely different than what I need now. I have to constantly check back in and adjust. Some (many actually) days I am vegetarian. I'll eat squash, broccoli, mushrooms, tomatoes, kale, spinach... the list goes on and I don't limit the amount. Other days, I can tell that my body needs each animal protein.

Some days, I really want a glass of wine and/or a cookie and i go for it. Moderation right?

I don't think any food should be completely "off limits". I don't believe that telling yourself you can NEVER have a carb, cheese, sugar, whatever is a good thing. I don't think that is something that is realistic! My advice: 80-90% of the time, plan your meals and really stick to it. The other 10-20%? That's up to you! But make sure anything you choose to eat that is not healthy, you actually want and will enjoy (in other words, avoid the mindless junk food snacks).

One thing I have found to really work well for me is Intermittent fasting. I know this is a "trendy" term right now, but I have been using this off and on for the past 2 years and I have had a lot of success with it. Here's what works for my schedule and lifestyle:

Get up between 5&6am

Drink 1-2 glasses of water with lemon &/or ACV

Drink 2-3 shots of coffee (i cant get rid of coffee as of now haha! Its my vice)

Go to teach & work at the studio. I typically teach 4 classes/sessions in the morning before I eat anything.

When I feel actually hungry, I eat! This usually happens between 12-1:30pm. Usually I will stick with a salad/salad and chicken, eggs and veggies, or an apple with almond butter.

I will usually have a small snack around 4 (almonds, apple, carrots and hummus) before I go and teach the evening classes and get my Instapot ready to go for dinner time

Eat dinner around 7/7:30. I try to keep it simple: shredded chicken/spinach/peppers, spaghetti squash/tomatoes/meatballs, veggie fajitas, brothy soup

If I am still hungry later, I will eat more but usually I am fine! I try to keep my alcohol to the weekends and am trying to be a stickler on that. It makes a difference for me :)

So long story short: you do you. Do what makes your body actually feel good and strong and energized! If that means having a ton of carbs or whatever floats your boat, go for it! Every body is different and has different needs no matter what anyone else tells you ;)

xoxo

Jade