Summer Is Here! You are getting ready to hit the beach, go to the pool, travel outdoors, wear a swimsuit, and throw on shorts to grab some sun…then you look down, catch your reflection, or see a picture and don’t love the way you look or feel.
It happens to a lot of us. Whether it is that you are showing more skin in a swimsuit and shorts or your social events require more physical activity, you realize there is something wrong.
Is it an extra 5 – 10 lbs, your physique isn’t as defined, your stamina is gone, or you’re more sluggish than normal?
Whatever the concern, your answer may be the 4-letter word above…DIET!
But which one? There are so many and we all know someone who has had success or failure at each diet out there. So which one is right for you?
I’d like to take this time to breakdown some of the most popular diet trends that are out there, discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each.
Current reports list over 40 popular diet trends currently cycling through the world. Of those, we will look at the number 1 diet – Weight Watchers– and two of the less popular on a large scale, but most talked about by some of our clients – Keto and Whole30.
Weight Watchers – why t works: It encourages you to eat more fruits, veggies, and lean proteins. There is a reward system to motivate users and to assist with tracking and accountability. It also allows you the freedom of choice, so you don’t have to feel you can only eat certain foods. Disadvantages-at times, too much freedom leads to you either choosing what you feel comfortable with and/or is easy (which doesn’t always translate to healthy) or you just get overwhelmed and don’t eat anything.
Keto – why it works: It can reduce insulin (when insulin is present your body tends to store fat), it can increase fat burning (you’re body will not have to burn through the glycogen that is stored from carbs for fuel) and it has been shown to lower the risk of several types of cancer. This is because eliminating carbs reduces the inflammation in your body. Inflammation creates more risk of cancers and other diseases. Disadvantages-you will not be eating much (if any) fruit, whole grains, certain veggies and carbs overall. This can be a challenge for many as it relates to eating out and/or being around individuals who are not on a similar plan. Additionally, if we keep carbs out too long we can become carb sensitive. Meaning when we put them back into our body we send it into shock thus storing more weight. Keto, also takes a while to show physical results, which may be a turn off to those looking for more immediate results.
Whole30 – why it works: It encourages you to read labels, cut out refined and processed foods. You eliminate dairy, wheat, and gluten, all of which can have a negative impact on your overall performance and aesthetic. Disadvantages-you eliminate many foods at once. These foods you many require to add back to your nutrient regime based on your personal response to them. For instance, many of you tolerate dairy well or need the grains to fuel your brain and body. If you eliminate these from your diet, you lose out on some of the nutrients needed. Additionally, highly active people tend to not get enough energy leading to weakness and sluggishness.
At the end of the day, I feel the best DIET is the one you’ll follow. I am a firm believer in being mindful of everything you put into your body. If you want to lose weight, you’re going to need to reduce the “junk” you’re putting in your body and exercise. If you want to put on lean muscle, you’re going to need to eat more and lift weights. I suggest you track what you’re eating, how much you eat and how you feel. If you’re feeling great and you love the way you look, keep it up! If you’re not, then note why you’re choosing foods and/or drinks that aren’t conducive to your diet. This can help you make the switch to a healthier version of yourself (not just for the summer, but for life!).
About the Author
Scott Keppel is the owner of Scott’s Training Systems, a world-class coaching facility in Chandler, Arizona. He is a nationally certified trainer through NASM and ISSA. His mission is to empower women of all ages and fitness levels. For more information head to scottstrainingsystems.com or check him out on Instagram at @stsnation.
