This title comes from one of my favorite nutrition inspirations, author, podcaster, and all around knowledgeable health and wellness professional, Max Lugavere. At this point I feel like his spokesperson because I am always referring to his podcast, books, or social media in pretty much every conversation.
Nutrition can be a touchy subject for some because there are so many perspectives, but Max takes the no bullshit approach and backs up all of his knowledge with studies and science so you know it is the real deal.
Just like everything else in life, some things work better for certain people and not others so I would say take the information with an open mind and put it to use where you feel like it fits.
Diet culture has really put an emphasis on tracking macros, packing large amounts of protein in every meal, sugar free products, and artificial low cal ingredients - now don’t get me wrong, if that is what you want to do then go for it, but it is almost like we have forgotten about the nutrients that each food should carry and the new golden rule “quality over quantity”.
Sustainability and long term results come from eating whole foods that you enjoy, moderation, and understanding everything that you put into your body.
Genius Foods and The Genius Life are both books written by Lugavere and present certain foods and a way of life that will optimize a healthy lifestyle and prevent diseases. Although he discusses how a high fat and protein, low carb diet, more on the Keto side, is the best for brain function and disease prevention, it is more about making sure you are eating whole foods and less about counting how many grams of fat and protein you’re consuming while avoiding carbs.
Basically he knows, just like I am sure we ALL know by now that being in a caloric deficit leads to weight loss so yes, if you count every calorie you are consuming and it is below your recommended daily intake you will lose weight, but that is not necessarily sustainable.
I know that I wouldn’t want to track how much fat, carbs, protein, sugar, fiber, etc. I was eating every day for the rest of my life which is where creating a certain lifestyle that you enjoy and you’re not focused on every second comes in, and is KEY.
WHERE your protein is coming from is important, WHERE your healthy fats are coming from is important, WHERE your colorful vegetables are coming from is important, and WHERE your source of carbs are coming from is important.
Do you see what I am getting at?? Your body responds to the things that you put in it so if you start to pay attention and filter out the good and the bad, you will notice what ingredients make you feel the best and your focus will ease off of the calorie counting.
It may not be as simple as just stopping the tracking, especially if that is all you know, but understanding the basics can do you good!
In a few of his podcasts and both of his books, Max Lugavere discusses the oils, added sugars, and processed carbs that make up a majority of our food industry and how they are literally made (in a factory might I add) to keep you wanting more.
The combination of unhealthy fats in the form of oils combined with carbs and added sugar is scientifically proven to have addictive properties, so if you are ever wondering why you tell yourself you are only going to have one potato chip and end up finishing the whole bag, it is not YOU.
Delicious foods are just that, foods that are created to be delicious and enjoyed in moderation to avoid all of the negative aspects that come with consuming too much.
I struggle with wanting to completely avoid foods all together but that is basically impossible in the world we live in so being knowledgeable about foods is enough to help me with my food choices.
Keep in mind that Fit Bar is the holy grail of real and whole foods, so besides obviously educating yourself through books or online, you can stop by in person and experience the GOODNESS of real foods for yourself!
Along with an educated staff and a variety of superfoods, my job as a health coach at the cafe is to help YOU get on the right track and guide you to become knowledgeable enough to set boundaries for yourself.
For more information, initial assessments, or any questions feel free to email us at live@fitbarcafe.com and of course dive into the reading world of nutrition because there is so much to learn!
Coach Liv, Pn1
Instagram: @fitbarcafe
Facebook: Fit Bar Superfood Cafe
Email: live@fitbarcafe.com
