“Personalized Nutrition” is the buzz word on the net … even suggesting a DNA or stool test to determine the best diet based on your genetics or digestive system. It sounds impressive or silly, depending on who you are. I’m on the silly end of the spectrum.
There’s not enough information or studies out there to confirm for me that this is an effective approach. Maybe it will be, someday, but the research is still new. I’ll wait until we have more proof before I hand over $$.
I did find a DIY method to confirm that the diet is working for me. Thought you might find it interesting, too.
Really look at your reasons for changing your diet:
5 – I making a healthy eating change
4 – I am making an ethical life-style change (vegan, vegetarian)
2 – I am looking to lose weight (50+ lbs)
2 – I am looking to lose weight (-50 lbs)
1 – I am changing my eating because I heard it was good for me (gluten, dairy, sugar)
Making a healthy-eating life change is the hardest but best reason. People who make changes, like becoming a vegan because of animal cruelty, often stay with it better than those who just want to “try it on.” Weight loss alone may be a motivator, but it’s not always good in the long-term, although the smaller amounts to lose are easier. Sadly, people who “need” to lose weight often find it the most difficult. We never recommend a change in eating based solely on something you read.
5 – Complete change in diet through a healthy planned menu
4 – Reducing certain foods (carbs …)
3 – Cutting out certain foods (sugar, dairy …)
2 – Curious about trying a specific diet plan (Paleo …)
1 – Pre-packaged meal plan
The level of success for most people is greater if the plan is workable, easy to follow, and appealing to the dieter. Eliminating certain foods can also be a positive experience. It becomes more challenging if you are eliminating nutrients and not compensating for them in some other way. Diet “plans” can be workable, although statistics show that only 1 in 50 reach their weight-loss goal through a plan. The statics are even lower for pre-packaged plans.
5 – Followed successfully, stay with it
4 – Small cheats, but mostly working
3 – Having a difficult time staying with it
2 – Not really on the diet
1 – Couldn’t do it
Give it about a month for your body to adjust to the plan and start feeling the effects. That said, if you get halfway through and continuing would be brutal (a score of 3 or lower), don’t force yourself — clearly it’s not the right plan for you.
The only way to know if the diet is making a difference is to track it. Use an app or write it down
- foods you eat each day
- water intake
- how you feel after each meal (fatigue, headaches, stomach pains)
- how you feel at the end of the day
At the end of your test, take an honest look at your logs. If you feel better than you have on your former eating plan and you know you can keep this going, it’s likely your personal best diet. You don’t have to put an end date on it. Try these things, see how you feel, allow yourself time to adjust and choose if you want to try something else.
What this made me realize is that my diet may evolve over time to fit my lifestyle and my needs. My plan is my plan, so I can do what I’m doing without the need to put a label on it. I’ve spent time the past few days reflecting on the problems I’ve had staying with it recently. I decided to do a few days of liquid fast to get back on track and I’m feeling pretty good about things. I’ve lost the 6 lbs I had regained, and looking forward to more of the same.
That’s the plan … and I’m sticking to it. (T-minus 173 days and counting)