16 Jan
Diet, Fitness, Food, Nutrition

Intuitive Eating – Is This Real or Just Another Fad?

How often do you scroll through your social media and see posts on the new diet trend? Most of them promote restriction and disconnection from our bodies, followed by feelings of guilt and low morale, leading to further restriction. This vicious cycle continues and weight loss cannot be maintained. In order to reconnect our mind and body, we have to give ourselves the freedom and the right to listen to what our bodies need and want. Intuitive eating is the practice of connecting our inner feelings to give us a sense of fulfillment both physically and mentally. Preoccupation and apprehension about past and future meals disengage us from being present in the moment and giving the body the nutrients it needs to function optimally. Principles of Intuitive Eating help with body awareness to heal and rejuvenate.

That being said, Intuitive eating is not a diet. It is a lifestyle and practice that allows the body to reconnect to itself to properly fuel for satisfaction both physically and psychologically. It removes rules and restrictions that make dieting hard to maintain. You no longer have to obsess with food because unconditional permission is always given to eat.

All in all, Eat with mindfulness and be present in the moment is what Intuitive Eating is all about. It may seem vague and challenging to being with, hence, for specific recommendations on intuitive eating, consult a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. Follow this journey and love yourself. You have so much to be present and thankful for. Obsessing over food takes up time and space that can be filled with so many other wonderful things.

 

29 Dec
Diet, Fitness, Food, Nutrition

Is Your Weighing Scale Showing You The Right Number?

The new year is approaching, and resolutions are in the forefront of our mind. Since we live in a society that is constantly focused on losing weight, it is important to understand weight loss and where exactly the weight is coming from in order to attain sustainable weight loss.

We often look at the scale as an indicator of our success, but what if I tell you to throw the scale away? Yes, you heard it right, your scale can be deceiving and may not give you a complete information about your weight. Weight fluctuates throughout the day and can be lost or gained through fat, muscle, or water.  To maximize health outcomes and sustain the right weight and size, a loss of fat and an increase in muscle mass is important. In all reality, body composition is much more important than the number on the weighing scale!

Fad diets are well known for quick weight loss. The pounds seem to shred off for the first 1-2 weeks, then level off. This rapid loss of weight stems from the loss of water weight and not body fat! Moreover, losing body fat is not as simple as eating less than your total expenditure. Your body tends to hold onto fat for survival purposes as a storage form of energy. It can be challenging to lose body fat and keep it off. Hence, it is imperative to take help from a Registered Dietitian to design a well rounded diet that meets your individual body needs and helps with fat loss.

Be kind to yourself throughout this process because it is a big change. Your body will start to work optimally as soon as you feed it nutrients and give it love. Celebrate the small victories and respect your body.