Hey there. Nutrition is one of those topics that gets people fired up. Everyone has an opinion, and if you’ve spent any time online, you’ve probably seen heated debates about which diet is the best. The truth is, there is no single best diet. The best plan is the one that works for you, aligns with your preferences, and helps you stay consistent.
Over the years, I’ve tried almost every diet out there. I’ve done calorie counting, macro tracking, keto, paleo, intermittent fasting, and more. What I’ve learned is that every eating plan has some value, but none of them are perfect. They’re just tools. And like any tool, they work best when used for the right job.
No matter what plan you’re following, it all comes down to calories. Whether you're counting macros, tracking points, or focusing on portion control, everything ties back to calorie intake. Even if your diet doesn’t market itself that way, calories are still the foundation.
That doesn’t mean calorie counting is the only way. Some people find it helpful, while others prefer tracking macros, following a structured plan like Weight Watchers, or simply focusing on whole foods. The key is to find what fits your lifestyle and allows you to be consistent.
One major problem with diets is that they often become too rigid. People get locked into a particular way of eating, only consuming information that supports their plan while ignoring everything else. This is why I always recommend keeping an open mind. Don’t get so attached to one diet that you ignore your own experiences and results.
Marketing plays a huge role in how diets are sold. Low-carb diets, for example, always make a comeback because they produce fast results at first. But if you compare long-term progress, a balanced approach often leads to the same results without extreme restrictions.
Instead of looking for the one perfect plan, take a different approach. Pick the parts of different diets that work for you and build your own plan. Maybe you like the structure of macros but prefer the flexibility of intuitive eating. Maybe you enjoy intermittent fasting but don’t want to be too strict with it. That’s fine! Nutrition should be customized to fit your life, not the other way around.
The key to long-term success isn’t following the latest trend. It’s consistency. Find a way of eating that you enjoy, that fuels your body, and that you can stick with for the long haul.
If you need help figuring out what works for you, check out The YLF Experience. It’s designed to help you create a sustainable, preference-based eating plan that fits into your lifestyle.