Hey there. Let’s talk about creating the Your Name Eating Plan. Yes, you read that right—this is your personal eating plan, designed entirely around your preferences, lifestyle, and needs. No cookie-cutter diets, no one-size-fits-all solutions. This plan is about you.

The problem is that most people never take the time to figure this out. Why? Because we're taught from the moment we start "eating better" or "trying to lose weight" that there has to be a deadline tied to it. There's this underlying message, sometimes subtle and sometimes direct, that the faster you get to your goal, the more successful you are.

But here’s the reality: before you can set any goals or parameters, you have to take a step back and figure out what your preferences are. And that’s where the Your Name Eating Plan begins.

Step 1: Observing Your Food Preferences

The first step is simple but often overlooked: take two months to observe what you naturally gravitate toward when it comes to food. Forget about what’s "healthy" or what fitness influencers tell you to avoid. Just observe.

You can do this with a food photo journal. If you’re part of the YLF Experience, the app has a built-in photo journaling feature. Or you can use apps like Ate (A-T-E) or even your phone’s camera roll. The method doesn’t matter—what matters is capturing what you’re eating without judgment.

For two months, don’t worry about what you eat. Don’t stress about whether it’s nutrient-dense or if someone would criticize it. This is about learning your patterns and preferences, which will form the foundation for the rest of your life.

Step 2: Reflecting on Past Experiences

Next, reflect on what’s worked for you in the past. Think about eating plans or structures you’ve tried before—not the ones that got you results, but the ones you actually enjoyed following.

Ask yourself:

• How many meals do I like to eat daily?

• How much time do I prefer between meals?

• Do I like evenly spaced meals, or do I tend to eat more at certain times of the day?

Your eating frequency is entirely unique to you. Maybe you skip breakfast entirely or eat first thing in the morning. Maybe you eat three meals evenly spaced out, or perhaps you graze throughout the day. There’s no wrong answer—only what works for you.

Step 3: Preparing for Real-Life Scenarios

Life doesn’t always go as planned. Vacations, busy weeks, and curveballs are inevitable. Start thinking about how your eating plan can adapt to out-of-the-ordinary days.

For example, will you stick to your plan during a vacation, or will you give yourself the freedom to take a break? The point isn’t to create a rigid plan for every scenario but to build confidence in your ability to make decisions based on what feels right for you in the moment.

Step 4: Adding Nutrient-Dense Foods

Once you’ve observed your preferences and meal frequency, it’s time to complement what you’re already doing. Notice I said "add," not "take away."

Start by adding:

1. Produce: Incorporate a serving of fruit or vegetables into your meals. These are nutrient-dense, low-calorie foods that provide essential vitamins and minerals.

2. Water: Keep a water bottle with you and drink alongside your meals, regardless of what else you’re drinking (coffee, soda, wine, etc.).

This approach focuses on enhancing your meals rather than restricting them.

Step 5: Tracking Progress Over Time

Progress updates are crucial, but they’re not about judging yourself. Instead of focusing on single data points, look for trends over time.

Include:

• Scale Weight: Weigh yourself if you’re comfortable, but don’t put too much emphasis on it.

• Progress Photos: Take photos from the front, side, and back.

• Measurements: Start with your waist or another consistent area.

Daily tracking isn’t necessary, but if you do it, focus on how trends develop over 30, 60, or even 90 days. The longer the time frame, the more reliable the data becomes.

Why This Works

Most diets focus on short-term results, often within 30 days or less. The Your Name Eating Plan takes the opposite approach by building a foundation over two months before making any major changes.

This isn’t about chasing quick fixes or external validation. It’s about understanding your preferences, observing trends, and making sustainable changes.

The Your Name Eating Plan is different. It’s about rejecting the noise and building something that works for you—not for anyone else.

Ready to start building your own eating plan? Join The YLF Experience, where you’ll get personalized guidance and tools to create a sustainable, inside-out approach to your health. Sign up here.