As a fitness professional for the past four years, I have heard this question frequently. Clients want a simple guide that will help them reach their goals, thus 7 out of 10 potential clients will ask me this question (eg: weight loss, health & wellness, tone & define, increase lean muscle mass, endurance, and more). There isn’t a single, unquestionably best diet that everyone should adhere to always and forever, in my opinion.
As Precision Nutrition Coach we have tested over “100,000 people in 100 different countries” in a peer-reviewed study and the data shows that there are 6 main factors that influence a client’s ability to change (Precision Nutrition, 2022). When we focus on change the main factors when it comes to nutrition are body types, dietary preferences, budget, organic/conventional, nutrition knowledge, & time.
Body types can determine the type of structure the body has like mesomorph, endomorph, and ectomorph.
Budget – clients can come with an unlimited budget and a limited budget
Organic/conventional– some clients only eat processed food or eating boxed food. Other clients come to eat whole foods approach of fresh foods that are cooked.
Nutrition knowledge – do you know what macro and micronutrients are? Many clients come with a very limited understanding or understanding dietary practices.
Time – clients tend to full on two different spectrums either having a lot of time to focus on nutrition and health. Or vary limited time on how much time can be devoted towards their goals.
So now that we got in touch with some of the 6 factors that influence change in diet, What is the best diet? The truth is there is no best diet. Different cultures around the world have traditional ways of eating that might be different from yours (eg: spices, eating dinner with family, praying before eating). Based on environmental culture, environmental influences, Cultural Conceptions and different geological resources that are provided in each country might have different commodities, food, and resources available.
As a professional trainer and precision nutritionist, I’ve learned that everyone is different and has different taste preferences Everyone lives a different lifestyle or has a different level of education so understand where the person is coming from. What are they willing to learn or do on a daily bases is important for the long-term picture. Think of food like dating, everyone has something different that they look for a type. Food is like shopping not everyone going to have the same style of clothes and brands. The bottom line is it comes down to four simple truths when it comes to the best day.
There is no Universal Diet
There are many universal diets such as the Paleo, keto, Vegan, Low-Carb, Dukan, Ultra-Low-Fat, Atkins, HCG, and Zone Diet. There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to eating because one diet isn’t superior to another.
Most Popular Diet has a lot more in common than you think
All diets can be broken down into macronutrients when we think about nutrition. The three macronutrients are protein, carbs, and fats. Some diets focus on high protein, moderate carbs, and low fats. While others focus on high protein, high fat, and low carbs (eg: Keto). Diet also has a percentage of how much protein, fat, and carbs you want to consume daily. Overall you are making more conscious, healthier choices on the types of food you want to eat, and focusing on the health within. Or we are what we eat approach.
Habit Approach Coaching > Diet-based coaching
As a coach, I notice 80% of the time when I meet with a prospective client there not going to walk around with food style measuring how much protein their eating while on lunch. I understand there are three levels to coaching clients. Regardless of levels 1,2, or 3, I focus on the micro level first. A person may or may not want to track what they are eating on daily basis.
Creating physiological change by focusing on what we do daily can be successful in turning small habits into good habits. For example losing an extra 1-2% of body fat, gaining 3-4 pounds of muscle in 2-3 months, or being overall healthy. Focusing on small daily habits can be a tool to create change long term, regardless of a person’s goal.
Example of Small Habit Questions
- What does your typical Breakfast look like?
- What does your typical Lunch like?
- What does your typical Dinner like?
- What am I having for snacks?
- How many days per week do I work out?
- How much water do you drink per day?
- What is one thing you mention you can make a small change to today?
- How will I approach that small goal?
Summary
There are many types of diets out there and it all comes down to what you are willing to commit to getting you toward your goal. Yes, there are diets but what can you do long term as a lifestyle to make the true change? Focusing on the habit approach vs diet approach can be very important to get you towards your goals. The best way I can assist you is by Letting me hear what you need, what you hope to achieve, your way of life, and what matters most to you. Let me then assist you in developing the ideal dietary strategy for you, one that is tailored to your objectives and way of life.
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If you like to make an impact on your daily routine, practice more growth mindset techniques, and look for accountability. Please Reach-out via Trainerize, Instagram, or Facebook and I will get back to you within 24 hours. With Gratitude,
Christian Rubi
Personal Trainer | Coach | Precision Nutritionist
Specialize: Bodybuilding, Precision Nutrition, Functional Range Conditioning Mobility, Pre/ Post Natal
