Quick Fix= Big Fail

I consider myself blessed in that I get to share in the health related success of many people. With this, I get to hear hundreds of stories, share in their journey, and learn from people of all different shapes, sizes, ages, genders and ethnicity. This is what makes you a better coach, trainer, mentor, etc. It goes far beyond the degrees, books and continuing education; you have to get involved and share in each person's journey in order to be successful. What you learn as you grow with these people is that there's no "right way," no "one size fits all" approach to health.

I'd like to make what I consider to be an obvious point in regard to your health; what works for her, probably won't work for you. Her eating plan, caloric intake, exercise routine, lifestyle is not going to be the same as yours. Just because she experienced success using weight watchers, or eating vegan, or eating paleo, or using a stupid 30 day meal/pill/shake/video program (you should be smacked) doesn't mean you will experience the same success she did. Unfortunately, many, many people get caught up in a one size fits all approach to eating and fitness. 

This has come up recently with my one of my friends. She started Crossfit and began to eat a paleo kinda diet.  Her paleo diet, mixed with her new workout routine, wasn't providing her with what all "paleo believers" say they feel when they switch to a paleo lifestyle. She felt tired, constipated, fat, and had gained weight. Obviously, this doesn't happen to everyone who eats paleo, but for her, she was like WTFFF! I eat SO healthy, why do I feel like shit? How did she fix this? She added a few things back into her diet (yogurt, granola, rice) and she felt much better. She didn't stop eating a paleo-ish diet, she didn't add bread or ice cream or processed crap. She added nutrients that made her body feel better. Adaptations should be made in any "diet" to keep your body functioning at the most optimal level. Isn't that the goal of any nutritional/fitness program...to actually feel and look better?? Sometimes it takes tweaking the diet in order to get the results.

This same story occurs with lots of different people of all dietary lifestyles. I hear the vegetarian/vegan story a lot. They eat healthy, feel great at first, and then slowly they begin to feel sick, chubby and tired. They can't seem to understand it! However, some people who eat vegetarian feel fantastic and have never had these issues.

Last example, the shakes/pills/30 day diet people: Their diet works great at first, until of course, it's over, they can't afford to buy more crap, and my favorite epiphany- they realize it's absolutely horrible for their health. Unfortunately, people get caught up in the quick fix and fail to take the time to figure out what will be the healthiest, longest lasting and effective mode of eating for them. It's easy to take pills and make shakes. It's easy to say, "oh well I just won't eat meat." It's easy to say, "I'll never have a cookie again" (ok fine, not as easy). Taking any drastic approach to your health works for some people. However, in my personal journey toward health and with my experience working with people, I have seen it completely backfire, especially when it comes to the Jenny Craig, pill popping and shake drinking population.

Again, there are a few alterations that can be made to your diet to improve your quality of life. The universal rules we can all agree upon in the quest for health: eliminate ALL processed crap from your diet. If it comes in a box, bag, or has a shit load of ingredients- JUST DON'T EAT IT. Sugar should be limited. Massive amounts of processed carbohydrates (bread, pasta, etc) should be eaten rarely in most diets, even for the vegetarians.

The best approach to a "one size fits all" diet is consuming lots of fruits and veggies. Period. If your diet lacks these essential carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals, your health and waistline will pay for it. You can't argue this.

If you choose to eat meat, buy grass fed meat. It's better for you, and better for the environment. The protein is beneficial for many people. However, you can survive without eating it and still hold on to muscle mass. I personally endorse a diet that consists of protein, because I have seen people achieve amazing results by increasing their protein (meat) consumption, but I respect those that do not have it as a staple in their diet.

When you hear a news segment endorsing a new diet plan, pill, video or listen to an un-educated trainer on the Biggest Losing proclaiming weight loss and quick results, do yourself a favor and change the channel, or slap yourself.

And lastly, in regard to fitness, if you sit on the couch, get up and move. If you run everyday, stop and try lifting weights. If you lift light weights, try lifting something heavy. Stop doing bicep curls and start making your workout functional and effective. If you never do cardio, try doing sprints. Adapt your routine and you'll look better and feel better.
 It takes a long time to figure out what will work best for you. Have patience and utilize your resources. Don't buy into the quick fix, don't take advice from Shape magazine, or Jillian Michaels. Don't cut our red meat just because you think it will improve your health. Be smart, listen to your body and you'll know when you've found the right balance.