Fad diets come and go, but constantly changing diets without promising results may not be sustainable. Personalized nutrition offers another path forward. Learn more about what it is and how it could become a better way to maintain your health.
Why fad diets aren’t always successful
People love fad diets because they promise quick results through clear steps. You may read that it is better to eat only meat, eliminate all carbohydrates, or buy strictly vegan foods. No matter what modern diet you try, maintaining it can be difficult.
Restrictive ways of eating create nutritional deficiencies and can lead to cravings. Over time, you may fall back into old eating habits due to discouragement.
What is personalized nutrition?
Personalized nutrition makes healthy eating smart. People who follow a precision diet tailor their meals and snacks to what their body needs based on their health history and personal goals. You are less likely to face nutritional deficiencies if your diet meets your body’s needs while you work to achieve desired results, such as weight loss or muscle gain.
Think of a personalized dietary regimen like a doctor issuing a prescription. Before recommending a medication dose, doctors must consider three variables for each patient: their genetic makeup, body size, and diagnosed diseases. A nutritionist helping you craft a precision diet would think about things like what food fads don’t respect your body, your current way of eating, and your exercise routine to outline your nutritional needs. Fad diets don’t do that because they are supposed to appeal to all demographics.
Ways to customize your daily nutrition
It is possible to achieve health goals regardless of your experiences with fad diets. Check out some ways to customize your daily meals and snacks so you feel like your food choices are working for you and not against you.
1. Meet with healthcare experts
Personalized diets involve no guesswork. You must trust that your daily nutritional intake gives your body everything it needs to thrive. It’s much easier to get to that point if you meet with your healthcare providers when you’re ready to change your eating habits in a positive way.
Your doctor can provide nutritional recommendations based on your pre-existing medical conditions and medications. For example, they may want you to get more vitamin A to improve your immune system if you get sick often. Buying foods with that vitamin would better align your diet with your nutritional needs.
You can also make an appointment at a nutritionist’s office. They’ll ask you what you currently eat, what helped you get closer to your goals in the past, and what nutritional deficiencies you want to address first. They are the experts who can create personalized meal plans and shopping lists to simplify your diet.
2. Work with your schedule
Daily schedules affect the way we eat. Someone who drives commercial trucks for a living won’t have time to prepare meals like someone who works remotely, so make a diet plan that fits your schedule.
Where you stop to eat can also be part of your routine. If you usually eat fast food because you are always in the city, look on the menus of those restaurants for healthier alternatives. Baking, steaming, and grilling maintain the nutritional integrity of the food compared to frying.
3. Honor your food preferences
If you wanted to try the cabbage soup diet, it wouldn’t work for you if you don’t like cabbage or soup. Your precise eating plan should also not focus on foods you don’t like. Consider your preferences regarding things like:
- Allergies
- intolerances
- Textures
- Flavors
Your preferences can also indicate which foods you enjoy in moderation. If you know that restricting yourself from all desserts quickly leads to cravings and binges, incorporate a healthy serving of a dessert once a day.
You could also be among the 90% of American adults who snack at least once a day. Nutritious snacks pre-portioned and ready to eat can prevent overeating, which derails your nutritional goals. A more realistic and personalized approach to your dining preferences will create a sustainable routine.
Achieve your goals with a realistic diet
Fad diets may seem appealing, but your body deserves a comprehensive nutritional approach that meets your needs while achieving your goals. Instead, talk to your doctor or nutritionist about an individualized eating plan. If your routine focuses on sustainable options that help you thrive, eating habits tailored to your needs could make fad diets a thing of the past.
