Not another diet…
2018 vs. 2021
I was in that same spot as you, year after year, diet after diet. Jumping back on a rollercoaster of ups and downs (truly an emotional rollercoaster, 10/10 would not recommend). Figuring out how to stick to a consistent diet, that works for you, gives you ACTUAL results, and give you the freedom to live a balanced lifestyle that DOESN’T revolve around counting calories, restricting foods from your life, and going from one extreme to another. Impossible…
When I was in college, I started lifting and fell in love. I was also a Division 1 collegiate swimmer, and was trying to find balance in competing and my new found passion of lifting heavy things. I quickly fell in love with the process, looking up workouts on mens health, working out with friends, watching vlogs of bodybuilders going through their days. When it came to nutrition, it was strict meals, chicken, broccoli, rice. 6x a day, 4x protein shakes, supplements, and of course cheat days. You name it, I tried it.
I tried and failed so many diets. Keto, Intermittent Fasting, Low carb, Low fat, IIFYM (if it fits your macros), vegetarian. What did all theses diets have in common? They were regimented and restrictive. Yes that works for some, but for most people that doesn’t work, it clearly did not work for me. And all it left me with was a terrible relationship with food, body dysmorphia and hopelessness in reaching my goals.
Unfortunately it took me to getting to my heaviest at 260lbs, and almost two years in the fitness industry to actually figure out what worked for me. What was the magic answer? TIME.
After many frustrations, stress levels out of control, high caffeine intake, and a high tolerance for alcohol. That all changed when I started to putting into practice small actionable steps towards my nutrition. So it started with something as simple as getting enough protein in my diet for two weeks. That was actually really hard. As a personal trainer, I was working god awful hours, starting with my first client at 5:30AM and finishing with my last client at 8PM, all while trying to build and maintain my business, have time to workout, and have a social life. As I would finish my first two weeks, I was ecstatic that I was actually able to accomplish a goal: eating 8 servings of protein a day. Not a calorie goal or 260 grams of protein, who the hell actually knows what 260 grams of protein is? Not me. But using something as simple as your hand as a guide, helped me better understand how to track on the go. And after I completed one small goal, on the to the next, and the formation of habits started, and changed my life.
Now I sit at 210-215lbs, I am confident, I am happy, I am balanced, and I know what works for my body. Do I want abs? hell ya. Do I also enjoy pizza with my partner? HELL YA. Am I able to control my appetite & listen to my hunger cues, also HELL YA. And It wouldn’t have been possible if I didn’t take the time to slow down, and build skills, habits and practices that have stuck with me and will stick with me.
Moral of the story?
Nutritional freedom is confidence, self care, and most importantly a lifestyle change that we all seek out when we choose to make those changes.
On January 30th, 2022, my friend and co-coach, Michelle Reidy and I , are launching our first Nutrition Coaching Program: MJ Nutrition. A 16 week Nutrition Program that will teach you how to set effective goals, build skills and habits, gain self awareness and control, know how much you need to eat, learn how to build consistency in your life, and so much more! Follow me on Instagram and turn on post notifications so you can be the first to know!