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Your diet plays a significant role in fitness, whether you’re trying to lose weight or build muscle; what you eat will always matter. Which is why you need to know how to eat without ruining your fitness goals.
Because this happens a lot.
Some potential reasons this happens
- Adopting overly restrictive diets
- Being scared of food
- Overthinking how to eat
- Not listening to the body’s fullness cues
- No knowledge of portion control
These things need to go.
Imagine losing 5 pounds only to gain it back shortly afterward, due to the way you ate afterward.
This article will help you understand the simple steps (tricks) on how to eat, so instead you can support your fitness goals.
However, you’ve got to be ready to make these changes, because a wish is only a wish; action is what makes the most difference.
📋 Table of Contents
How To Eat Without Ruining Your Fitness Goals
1 . Change your view on food
A lot of people tend to use food as some type of quencher or solution to things. They eat when they’re bored, when they just want to relax and watch a movie, or even when they’re sad.
Sometimes “just because”
It’s not a horrible thing to do, but they make it easier to overindulge, and in the process, ruin your effort to be fit.
Food is not a therapist nor a playmate, it is to give your body energy to live and do things, and nourish it as well.
2 . Lack of portion control
It’s okay to put a moderate amount of food on your plate, or to healthily control the portion.
Even if you bought it with your own money, you don’t have to serve the whole thing all the time. Portion control is part of being in a calorie deficit, cause it’s all about measuring what you eat according to your daily calorie intake, especially in the long run. Portion your food and snacks.
For instance, if you feel like eating cookies, have 2-3 instead of the whole pack. It’s not very easy to do, but it’s really helpful.
You wanted a cookie, well now you’ve tasted it, drink water, appreciate and smile, and move on with your day.
3 . Stop eating till you’re too stuffed
When a person is eating, later the body will let them know it’s okay. This is a sign of fullness, but a lot of people keep going regardless.
The body gives signs of fullness, but YOU aren’t full enough, you continue eating. Many people don’t know that they don’t have to finish everything in one sitting. Eating to the point where you can’t walk or sit properly is not a sign of enjoyment or the good life.
You may ruin your fitness goals along the way. Learn to listen to your body, stop, drink water, and get up, even if there is still some left on your plate.
4 . Eat foods that are filling
Some foods are high in nutrients like protein and fiber, so eat them. Foods like yams, beans, and sweet potatoes are filling, which can help you in your fitness journey.
5 . Drink water
Water may also help you from eating in a way that can ruin your fitness goals. It can keep you full for a longer time, and may help you not eat too much.
6 . Watch your workout session before eating
Sometimes, a lovely reminder goes a long way in keeping us on track. You don’t have to do it all the time, but sometimes watch videos of you working out. The gasping for air, the struggle to finish a set, might be enough to teach you how to eat without ruining your fitness goals. This might sound weird and unhinged, but it may be beneficial nonetheless.
7 . The 80-20 rule
80-20 rule is where you eat whole, nutritious foods, and workout, while 20 percent is you indulging in snacks and so on. This may help you build a healthy relationship with food and support your fitness goals.
Eating right, consistently, is a struggle for so many people, but if you approach nutrition with a different perspective, it just might change things positively. Also, you don’t have to be perfect; you might make mistakes, eat a little too much, or fall short, but just continue to keep your eyes on the goals.
