“I just need you to tell me what to eat.”
Ever say this? For some people, planned-out meals and healthy, aesthetic-looking recipes seem like an obvious and popular solution to lose weight.
However, according to a recent 12-week diet study conducted by Stanford University scientists, diets don’t aren’t as helpful.
Participants were given all of their meals and snacks for the first four weeks so there was no cooking, food prep, or wondering, ‘What should I eat?’ happening.
Then, for the next eight weeks, participants were on their own to plan, shop for, and cook meals that worked with the diet they were following.
The researchers found that:
- The participants preferred making their own meals over eating the meals that were given to them by a nutrition scientist. (In the second 8 weeks, all 42 participants actually declined the option of having their meals made for them.)
- They said they wanted expert-created shopping lists, meal ideas, and recipes, but didn’t use them.
- Even with all these resources, they ended up making only small adjustments to their normal diet.
The takeaway: Diets don’t usually solve the most pressing problems people have with eating better.
What most folks need help with? Building sustainable SKILLS and HABITS that help them manage portion sizes, regulate their emotions (without food), and choose nutritious foods they truly enjoy (to name a few).
Because most of us have a pretty good idea of WHAT to eat. But consistently doing it? That’s the real challenge.
Ready to actually do it? and gain the skills and habits to finally reach your health goals? Work with me and/or download my nutrition guide to learn about calories, macronutrients, fiber intake, hydration, and supplements. It’s your go-to guide to losing body fat and improving your fitness in the gym.
Reference:
PMID: 33802709
Landry MJ, Crimarco A, Perelman D, Durand LR, Petlura C, Aronica L, et al. Adherence to Ketogenic and Mediterranean Study Diets in a Crossover Trial: The Keto–Med Randomized Trial. Nutrients. 2021 Mar 17;13(3):967.
