What matters more, quality or quantity?

 

It is possible to lose weight eating McDonald’s, that is true. 

 

However, you know from experience eating a Cheeseburger medium meal (1,100 calories) is yum

 

But, isn’t nearly as filling as eating a 300g sirloin steak and 3-4 handfuls of veggies (800-900 calories)

 

You might not even be able to eat that much steak

 

Satiety (feeling of fullness) is the unsung hero of good nutrition habits

 

And that makes sense

 

We see the best long term Personal Training results when people eat less calories and while still feeling full 

 

More nutrient dense foods generally keep us fuller for longer, whereas foods sold in packets or at fast food restaurants do not

 

You can see why the principle of 80% whole foods might be important

 

Especially for a gym that has “Results based approach to the five factors of health” as one of it’s Core Values

 

It simply goes without saying that if a rounded approach to health is the goal

 

That includes but isn’t limited to maintaining more optimal weight and body fat levels

 

Then quality is just as, if not more, important than quantity

 

How to balance quality with quantity

 

The leeway of 80% gives you the opportunity to approach your nutrition with a bit of give

 

Long term success requires some wiggle room

 

You can either hit 80% of your meals perfectly and give yourself a bit of a leash for the other 20% 

 

Or, you can hit all of your meals about 80%

 

This gives you the ability to eat pasta and have a little mayo on the side, or a combination of both

 

Of course, accountability is still key with this approach as with any

 

And recognising that life will get in the way

 

So you don’t have to be too discouraged if this starts to slip when stress levels go up

 

Or motivation starts to wane

 

That’s where a kick up the bum might be required 

 

And that’s when you need to get in contact with a good coach, to help you stick to it!