The wellness industry has become one of the most profitable in the last 20 years, with new diets, dieting trends, and fads emerging yearly. Interestingly, recent research showed that the biggest diet trend in the UK was not following a specific diet at all!1https://www.statista.com/forecasts/997894/diets-and-nutrition-in-the-uk
Personalised nutrition is on the rise and is a concept that acknowledges that your body has a unique response to different foods based on factors such as genetics, lifestyle, age, sex, and activity levels – there is no one-size-fits-all.
While there is still a huge way to go to move away from fads and dieting trends, adopting a holistic and sustainable approach to boosting and maintaining your health and wellbeing is a great start and we’ve got eight top tips to get you started!
1. Avoid restrictive diets
Embrace a flexible, balanced approach that includes eating a variety of foods in moderation. We advocate the 80/20 rule at Chuckling Goat – eat well for your health 80% of the time, have a bit of what you enjoy 20% of the time – think of it as discipline, rather than deprivation.
2. Focus on what you can add in – rather than cut out
In a world of dieting where every other person appears to be “cutting something out” – why not focus on what you can add in? More vegetables, fruit, water, sleep, movement, time well-spent with friends and family, hobbies – the list goes on! Check out this article for inspiration.
3. Listen to your body
Practice intuitive eating by listening to your body’s hunger signals and fullness cues. Everyone’s day-to-day lives and dietary needs differ but what is important is regular punctuated meals that fuel and nourish your body in a way that works for you. Read more here and check out Co-Director Shann’s article about how to beat cravings!
4. Celebrate non-weight achievements
In tune with listening to your body, try shifting your focus from weight-centred goals to non-numerical achievements such as improved concentration, better sleep, higher energy levels, and stronger muscles.
5. Educate yourself
Learn more about the harmful effects of diet culture and yo-yo dieting on mental and physical health. If you are finding it difficult to break away from diet culture, consider seeking the help and advice of a dietitian, registered nutritionist, or your GP.
6. Detox your social media
If you have social media, unfollow accounts that promote unhealthy or unrealistic body expectations and restrictive dieting. Instead, follow accounts that promote healthy relationships with food, nourishing recipe inspiration, and a holistic approach to wellbeing. Check our Chuckling Goat’s Instagram page for zero-pressure inspiration!
7. Cultivate body positivity and stop comparing
As the saying goes “comparison is the thief of joy”. Take a step back and shift your focus from achieving a specific body image or shape. Health is multifaceted and encompasses physical, mental and emotional well-being. Try challenging negative thoughts by celebrating your body for what it can do, rather than what it can’t.
8. Exercise for enjoyment
Find a form of exercise that you enjoy and you’ll be more likely to keep at it. Whether it’s swimming, running, walking, gardening – find what works for you. Read about 3 ways exercise boosts your gut health and immune system here!
See if you’re trapped in the sleep-stress cycle here and for relaxation tips – learn more about the Dutch method of niksen (the art of doing nothing!)
Questions? Feel free to contact us on live chat (weekdays from 8 am to 8 pm) to speak to one of our nutritional therapists.
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