The Freedom to Eat Anything You Want (For the Rest of Your Life)

Flexible dieting is an approach to nutrition that emphasizes moderation, balance, and enjoyment of a wide variety of foods, while still adhering to your calorie and macro goals.

When I had struggled for years hopping from one diet to another (from Slimfast and Atkins back in the day to paleo, keto, and intermittent fasting more recently), it was flexible dieting that finally helped me break this pattern.

One of the best books on the subject is by the man who pioneered this concept, Alan Aragon, called Flexible Dieting.

Here are three reasons why flexible dieting can lead to greater freedom and long-term success:

Reason 1: No Forbidden Foods

1. Eliminates the concept of "good" and "bad" foods (avoiding the moral choice people often make where they ultimately judge themselves; we don't want to do that)

2. Allows for occasional indulgences without derailing progress

3. Promotes a healthier relationship with food

   ACTION: Incorporate your favorite treats into your nutrition plan in moderation, and focus on portion control to stay within your calorie and macro goals. I like the idea of "restraint" vs. "restriction" where you PLAN IN your indulgences.

Reason 2: Sustainable Long-Term

1. Much less restrictive than traditional diets

2. Easier to adhere to over time, leading to better results

3. Encourages a balanced approach to nutrition

   ACTION: Prioritize nutrient-dense foods, but allow yourself flexibility to enjoy a variety of foods without feeling guilty or deprived. Apply the 80/20 rule, allowing up to 20% of your calories from indulgences and the rest from whole foods.

Reason 3: Adaptable to Any Lifestyle

1. Can be tailored to individual preferences and dietary needs

2. Works well with social events, dining out, and travel

3. Empowers you to make informed choices, no matter the situation

   ACTION: Plan ahead so you can make informed decisions about your food choices, even in challenging situations, to stay on track with your goals. This is the opposite of choosing "in the moment" (which is emotional). Use your rational brain ahead of time to decide what you will eat or the guidelines by which you'll choose foods (like baked vs. fried, steamed vs. sauteed, and so on).

Wrapping Up

Flexible dieting offers a sustainable, enjoyable approach to nutrition that can help you achieve your health and fitness goals while maintaining a healthy relationship with food.

Bonus: Food Logging

One of the most powerful tools you can use when dialing in your awareness is logging your food, which gives you visibility into what you're actually eating (how many calories, protein, the calorie density, and the breakdown/nutrients).

If you're looking for a powerful, fast, and easy food logging app, definitely check out MacroFactor, which I use personally and 100% of my clients use.

Summary:

• Embrace the concept of no forbidden foods, and practice moderation (restraint, not restriction) and portion control

• Prioritize nutrient-dense foods while enjoying a variety of foods for long-term adherence (even including indulgences!)

• Adapt flexible dieting to your individual lifestyle and needs

Embrace the freedom of flexible dieting for a life-long sustainable approach.