This is probably long overdue. The word “diet” is all too popular in our society today. And it seems like there is one for every kind of person. The vegetarian, the meat lover, the sugar addict, the bikini model, the power lifter, etc. So what is the one that you choose? How do you know which ones are “right”? The answer, you don’t. There isn’t a one size fits all model for nutrition, because everyone has different goals, different metabolisms, different activity levels and different bodies!.

I would consider myself to have been a professional dieter, I have tried just about every one out there. South Beach, Atkins, Juice Cleansing, raw foods, no carbs, high fat, etc. And you know what? I lost weight on just about every one of them! But you know what else? I couldn’t live on them, I felt deprived, hungry, crabby, weak. Something in every one of those above mentioned plans was missing–MODERATION. Our culture is an extreme one, everything is instant, and quick and guaranteed. That is not realistic, and it’s not healthy.

Granted, this is just my personal opinion. But I feel compelled to share it because it breaks my heart to see so many people, women especially, beating themselves up physically and emotionally over food and weight loss.

Food is awesome, people! It freaking rocks! It tastes good, it’s fun and it’s part of being a social human! But the other thing is, it’s just food. And there is plenty of it. So my point would be–save the decadent, completely ridiculously nutritionally void treats for the special occasions and enjoy them, fully. But the rest of the time–it’s just food. You need it to survive, to stay healthy, to have energy and build muscle and run fast and be awesome. You need carbs, they give you energy. You need fats, they help insulate and facilitate functions in the body that are too numerous to list. And protein is vital, it boosts metabolism, repairs damaged tissue and gives you energy.

I have found that for me, knowing how much of each macronutrient (that means: fat, protein and carbohydrates) my body needs to function optimally and helps with my fitness related goals; has given me IMMENSE freedom from the restrictions and yo yo patterns of my hard core dieting days. I don’t feel that anything is “forbidden” any more. If I want a brownie for dessert with my family–I make that “fit”. If I want a glass of wine with my husband after the kids go to bed, I make it fit. This is not to say that I don’t practice self control and discipline with my food choices the majority of the time. But I don’t feel like I am living out of balance any more. I am stronger, leaner and feel that this is a long term lifestyle change that i can maintain.

How much moderation do you feel your current “diet” has? Do you feel like you can maintain eating the way you are currently for the rest of your life? Do you feel like your food choices are helping you to achieve your health and fitness related goals?