Since I am not an expert on nutrition my well is starting to run dry. This will be my last blog on nutrition, at least for a little while. My last blog focused on being realistic. That concept flows nicely into this blog. Today I would like to talk about “magic pill” nutrition.
We live in a world that is filled with “the answer” to your weight loss or performance goals. These “magic pills” or magic nutrition programs boasts results unlike any other…..life changing weight loss, increased strength and stamina, getting ripped! And what’s more, you apparently have to do little effort for these results to be obtained (at least that’s what is advertised). Just buy this supplement or pay for this diet program and start your path to a better you!
Not too long after you start down that path you quickly realize that you either bought some snake oil or you actually have to put some effort into it. You see, there is no such thing as a magic pill. If something sounds too good to be true, it generally is. In my time in this industry the only magic pill that I have found comes from within: discipline.
Now, I must commend people on taking that first step down that path. After all, that is the hardest step they will ever take…..to make the decision to make a change for the better. And I will never take anything away from that!
But here is the thing……..I have never found a supplement or diet plan that worked without a certain level of effort and discipline involved. In most of the “magic pill” scenarios that I know about you have to follow a certain nutrition plan that either reduces calories, controls portions, cuts out processed foods or any combination of these. Some accompany this approach with shakes, pills, meal replacement bars, or full out delivered meals. And guess what….it works! People who stay disciplined to the rules of the “magic pill” product will have positive results.
Imagine that! Someone who is disciplined in controlling their calories, portions, and content of their food having positive results…………. Oh, and taking the “magic pill” too. Who knew? Well, I hate to break it to all those people out there who are doing one of these “magic pill” programs. It’s not the “magic pill”. It’s the discipline of eating right that will get you the results!
Finding out how many calories you should consume, how to divide those calories through the day, and where those calories come from should be the cornerstone of any nutrition program. This is the foundation. Without a strong, solid foundation everything else will fall apart.
Before you go throwing a lot of money towards these “magic pill” programs, start with the foundation first. Shop the periphery of the grocery store, eat lots of fruits and vegetables, eat quality proteins and grains, and avoid anything that is fried or has highly processed food/ingredients in it. The less man made and manufactured food the better. But be realistic in your approach. If you need the structure/accountability of a program or the ease of a prepared shake/meal or even a plan to start with then by all means look into these programs. But know that they will not be nearly as successful if you do not take care of your foundation and stay disciplined in your approach.
