The word diet, is often seen as a negative thing. Diets are seen as something we do unwillingly, leaving us miserable, hungry and eatings things we don't enjoy.
''Diet'' [noun]
A: Foods & drinks regularly consumed.
B: Habitual nourishment.
A diet should be sustainable and maintainable long term. Following 'fad' trends, yo-yo dieting and extreme restriction aren't healthy habits. Being on an overly restrictive diet and going back to 'normal' once you've finished, will put you back to square one.
Diets or meal plans should be properly structured so as to be inline with your goals and to make sure you're eating the right amount of calories for these goals.
7 Stages to creating a meal plan-
Calorie balance is the most important variable.
Focus on getting a sufficient serving of protein first.
The next consideration should be carbohydrates to match your activity levels. These are the bodies primary energy fuel source.
Fats should make up the rest of your calories.
Hydration is just as important as eating properly.
Ensure whatever diet plan you chose to follow is one that you will stick to.
Aim to get the majority of your nutrition requirements from whole, unprocessed foods with fibre, vitamins and minerals.
Everyone will have a set of systems that works best for them.
The same goes for macros split, specific diets and meal timing. Diet & nutrition aren't one size fits all and so what works for one person won't automatically work for you too.
Compliance and individual goals are the most important things to remember. Your nutrition is yours alone, supporting your goals, your body and your lifestyle. In order to succeed on any diet, you need to know what you want to achieve and the things that will keep you on track.
There's no point writing a plan that is overly restrictive, has no level of flexibility and contains all the foods you hate. Realistically, you'll scrap it after a couple of weeks.
Commitment + Accountability + Understanding yourself = Results
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