As a nutritionist I hear about all sorts of ways women are trying to lose weight and most of them really get me rather annoyed, as they are misleading and not sustainable and even really unhealthy. And in this article I will share 3 of the statements that make me most upset! Because, I don’t want you to fall for these. I want you to have the right information when it comes to healthy, effective and sustainable weight loss.
My mission is to help more professional women solve their confusion about how to lose weight and while these 3 statements about generic gym meal plans and calorie counting go unchallenged, then I can’t achieve my mission!
So here goes… the 3 Reasons I’m sick of hearing about women trying to lose weight by generic gym meal plans and calorie counting.
1. The "One Size Fits All" Aspect of These Diets Doesn't Work
Generic gym meal plans and calorie counting often promote a one-size-fits-all approach to weight loss. But as a nutritionist, I've seen time and again that every woman's body is unique. What works for one person may not work for another. Personalised nutrition is the key to success. By tailoring a plan to an individual's specific needs with metabolic balance, we can ensure that they are nourishing their bodies in the best way possible for sustainable weight loss.
The problem is the unrealised expectations of these diets. Many women fall into the trap of generic meal plans and calorie counting, hoping for quick results. When these plans don't deliver the expected outcomes, frustration sets in. This frustration can lead to a cycle of yo-yo dieting and ultimately harm their overall health.
I hear it all the time when I am first connecting with women wanting a better solution. They do a 6 or 8 week challenge at the gym. Most of the time they are starving and the meals are very boring. I mean boiled chicken and broccoli everyday. Yuk. No thank you!
Yes most of the time, they do lose weight, but then what. The challenge ends and they go back to eating what and how they ate before. In fact often they will go on a binge as they have been so strict for weeks. What happens, all the weight is put back on and more. The body gets so stressed that it holds onto everything and in a matter of weeks, they are back to where they started or worse!
Instead, l like to empower women with the knowledge that weight loss is a gradual, sustainable process. It's about making long-term changes that suit their unique bodies, not quick fixes that lead to disappointment and messing with their metabolism.
And just to clarify, that diet word is a 4 letter word in my practice, or just what you eat. I do NOT put clients on a diet, I help them make lifestyle changes that will sustain their health and weight!
2. These Diets are Missing the Health Focus and Ignoring the Nutrient Quality of our food!
The focus of generic gym meal plans and calorie counting often solely revolves around weight loss, neglecting the most critical aspect—health. These generic meal plans often also prioritise calorie counts over nutrient quality. But the truth is, not all calories are created equal. Focusing solely on calorie numbers can lead women to consume empty, processed foods that lack essential nutrients, all in the name of sticking to a number! It's crucial to educate women about the importance of nourishing their bodies with nutrient-dense, whole foods that provide the energy and vitality they need for their busy lives. Calorie counting is an outdated and inaccurate way of eating.
To give you an example: Here are two 1500-calorie meal plans for a day, each consisting of three main meals.
Unhealthy Meal Plan:
Breakfast - Chocolate chip pancakes with syrup, Sugary coffee with cream
Lunch - Fast-food burger with chips and soft drink
Dinner - Frozen ready made lasagne
This meal plan totals around 1500 calories, but it's filled with high-calorie, low-nutrient foods, including refined carbs, sugars, and processed fast food.
Healthy Meal Plan:
Breakfast - Scrambled eggs with spinach and tomatoes, A slice of 100% rye toast and a cup of fresh diced mango and black coffee
Lunch - Grilled chicken breast with mixed greens and a vinaigrette dressing with quinoa salad with mixed vegetables
Dinner - Baked salmon with lemon, ghee and herbs with steamed broccoli and carrots
This meal plan also totals around 1500 calories, with a focus on nutrient-dense, whole foods. It provides balanced nutrition, promotes satiety, and supports overall health and well-being.
These examples illustrate the difference between calorie counting without regard for nutrient density and a meal plan that prioritises whole, healthy foods throughout the day. Can you see the difference? Both hit required calories, but how you feel and how your body will function after these 2 days will be vastly different.
Weight loss should be a by product of improved health, not the other way around. As a health coach and nutritionist, I emphasise the importance of nourishing the body with real, whole foods that promote overall well-being. When women prioritise their health, weight loss becomes a natural outcome, and they can achieve the lasting results they desire.
3. The Emotional Well-being of Women is Neglected:
Weight loss isn't just a physical journey; it's also emotional. Many women struggle with emotional eating, stress, and body image issues, which generic meal plans and calorie counting don't address adequately. It's essential to acknowledge the emotional aspects of weight management and offer holistic support. As an NLP Practitioner, I understand the power of mindset and can help women overcome these emotional barriers, making their weight loss journey more successful and fulfilling.
Stress, boredom, sadness, and anxiety can trigger emotional eating, where food becomes a source of comfort. Generic meal plans rarely address these triggers, leading to feelings of guilt and frustration.
Years of societal pressure and unrealistic beauty standards have taken a toll on women's self-esteem. They may avoid mirrors and hide behind oversized clothing, struggling to embrace their bodies.
Despite career success, their confidence may be eroded by weight and body image concerns. This lack of self-assurance affects their relationships, intimacy, and overall quality of life.
This is why I take a holistic approach. As an NLP Practitioner and nutritionist, I help my clients to address these emotional challenges with NLP techniques to help shift mindset from one of self-doubt to empowerment. By working together, we can identify and overcome limiting beliefs that may hold you back for years.
Through coaching, I can equip my clients with tools to manage stress, anxiety, and emotional eating so that they can embrace their bodies at every stage of their journey. This involves not just physical changes but also cultivating self-love and appreciation for their uniqueness.
It's vital to address all of these aspects and realise that weight management isn't only about counting calories and following generic meal plans. It's about understanding and addressing the emotional complexities, personal nutrition and focussing on foods that are nutrient dense, so that they can heal their bodies, so it can naturally release the weight. I also provide the holistic support and accountability needed for a successful, fulfilling, and sustainable weight loss journey.
What now?
I hope that wasn’t too ranty for you, however I am sure you can see just how passionate I am about helping professional women heal their bodies with personal nutrition, so that they can lose weight and feel confident and comfortable in their skin again! If you relate to any of these, or have your own story, hit reply and let me know! I am sure it’s one I have (sadly) heard before! And, if you’re ready to get my help with this, then click the link below and book your free discovery call and let’s chat!
Zita Dixon
CEO of Zest Nutrition
Nutritionist, Metabolic Balance Practitioner, NLP Health Coach and Chef