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The “No Shit” Diet

May 14, 2013 By Laura

But what do I eat?!

The eternal question.

I get this question almost daily. Β Today’s Work It Out addresses the questions. Β I won’t share my exact diet. Β I’m still learning what is best for me, and – like I ALWAYS say – diet is personal. Β Paleo, vegan, vegetarian, “intuitive” eating, carb-heavy, protein whores (guilty)… the list goes on forever.

What I WILL share are some of my staples for keepingΒ (mostly)Β healthy.

sprint2table-workitout

 

There is a lot of talk about special diets. Β I don’t buy into any of them for one reason – I think diet is about common sense. Β It’s a lifestyle. Β A diet, as we most often refer to it, is a finite thing usually aimed at weight loss or some quick fix. Β I was just on a pretty strict competition diet. Β That is NOT sustainable. Β Your life-diet should be balanced and include a variety of foods.Β Β No shit, right?

 

Therefore, I’m starting a new movement:

No Shit Diet

 

Diet 101

  • Eat 5-6 meals per day – every 2-3 hours, with the last meal being fairly close to bed time (your body needs to fuel to heal overnight)
  • Don’t be afraid of carbs or fruit – they provide valuable nutrients. Β Everything in moderation!
  • Eat your veggies! Β They fill you up without adding ton of calories or fat, and are vitamin and nutrient rich
  • Avoid large amounts of processed foods, sugar, and sodium. Β In excess, they are bad for your health and you just won’t feel good the next day
  • If you want a “cheat” or “treat,” HAVE IT. Β Just don’t have it all day, every day. Β I like wine and dessert, so I have both

 

Weekly Buys

  • Veggies – asparagus, broccoli, broccoli slaw, brussels, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, cucumbers, eggplant, green beans, dark leafy greens (like spinach and kale), mushrooms, onions, parsnips, red peppers
  • Fruits – apples, bananas (no more than 1x day), berries of any kind, cherries, grapefruit, pineapple, watermelon
  • Complex Carbs – barley, beans, Ezekiel bread,Β oatmeal, millet, multi-grain cereal (watch the sugar and sodium),Β sweet potato, quinoa, wild or brown rice, winter squash
  • ProteinΒ – bison, chicken, eggs (yolks in moderation), lean beef, salmon, tempeh, tofu, turkey, TVP, white fish (I love cod, sea bass, swordfish, tilapia, and trout)
  • Fats – avocados, chia seeds, coconut (oil and whole), flax, nuts/nut butters (almonds and walnuts are the best), olive oil, seeds (pumpkin, sesame, and sunflower)
  • Dairy – almond milk (unsweetened), cottage cheese (no salt added), plain non-fat greek yogurt
Cheese-less Cauliflower Crust Pizza

Cheese-less Cauliflower Crust Pizza

Flavor Adds

  • Extracts – almond, butter, butterscotch, coconut, coffee, maple, peppermint, vanilla
  • Spices – black pepper, cardamom, cayenne, cinnamon, cocoa powder, coriander, cumin, curry powder, garam masala, garlic, ginger, nutmeg, red pepper flakes
  • Acids – apple cider vinegar, lemon, lime, rice vinegar,Β white balsamic
  • Herbs – basil, cilantro, dill, mint, rosemary, sage, thyme
  • Sauces/Toppings – BBQ sauce,hot sauce (I love Cholula and Sriracha), hummus, mustard, salsa, tomato sauce (note: make your own when possible – read the labels and you’ll be shocked at the sodium and sugars added!)
BBQ Tempeh

Healthy BBQ Sauce on Tempeh

Stuff Most People Think is Foreign

  • Liquid Smoke (the Colgin brand I buy is all-natural and vegan)
  • Nutritional Yeast (high in B-12 and protein, has a cheesy/nutty flavor)
  • Peanut Flour (defatted peanuts; I like this better than PB2 because it has no added sodium or sugar. Β I order mine here;Β use discount code USO924Β for $5-10 off)
  • Stevia (the NuNatruals vanilla and chocolate liquid drops are my favorite)
Blueberry Protein Tart

Blueberry Protein Tart (with peanut flour cream)

Shopping

Most of my shopping is done at to following places:

  • The local farmer’s market,
  • Whole Foods
  • Fresh Market
  • Publix (big box grocer)
  • iHerb.com (use discount code USO924Β for $5-10 off)
  • Tip: ask your grocer if they can order items for you – Whole Foods is especially good about this!

PLEASE do not take the this as the be-all, end-all list of foods to eat. Β This is a sampling of my staples. Β I eat a massive variety of food – it helps me not get bored, which make it easier to keep it clean. Β I definitely indulge as well. Β Like tonight – I know I’m going to have an awesome dinner out. Β Rather than worry about salty, fatty, yummy food, I make more of an effort to keep it clean throughout the day today!

 

This is life, not heaven. Β You don’t have to be perfect. Β Live life, eat good food, and share it with those you love.

***

I don’t mean to poo-poo people’s belief systems. Β In the name of balance, next week there will be a guest post from Calee with a different perspective. Β I don’t say vegan, for example, as a bad thing. Β If it’s tied to a belief or you know that’s the way your body functions, more power to you! Β What I am against are people jumping of whatever is popular at the moment in hopes of finding the magic fountain for youth and weight-loss. Β There is no magic, y’all. Β 

What is the craziest diet you’ve ever tried? Β In college I ate nothing but grapefruit. Β It lasted 2 days.

Have you found a lifestyle that works for you?

Filed Under: Fitness, Recipes Tagged With: diet, figure competition, intuitive eating, No Shit Diet, protein, vegan, vegetarian, work it out

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Comments

  1. Debbie @ Live from La Quinta says

    May 14, 2013 at 12:08 AM

    Love the No Shit diet! Awesome! Sharing all over the place.

  2. Lisa says

    May 14, 2013 at 12:23 AM

    Yes! Love this Laura! Eating has become such a hot topic. Between different type types, judgement, comparing. It should stop. Just eat what you enjoy, practice moderation, and do what works for you.
    I think that’s always the most important thing.

  3. Christine @ Love, Life, Surf says

    May 14, 2013 at 1:03 AM

    ohmygosh I LOVE this Laura! Diet is such a personal thing and I totally agree that everyone needs to find what works best for them. The craziest diet I’ve tried is the South Beach Diet which isn’t terribly crazy but probably the one and only time that I’ve strictly followed a diet like that. I shed a few pounds but my body felt all out of whack!

    • Laura says

      May 15, 2013 at 1:51 PM

      Haha – I forgot about that one!!!

  4. Heather @ Kiss My Broccoli says

    May 14, 2013 at 1:44 AM

    Ha! I totally did the grapefruit thing in high school!! But I did grapefruit juice…with a side of Poptarts! Bahahaha!

    I am finally starting to find the lifestyle that suits me best. I’m still working out a bit of balance with things since some of my previously “forbidden” foods are now seen as acceptable to me, but after a few weeks of worrying that I wasn’t getting enough veggies in (due to my crazy, sleep deprived tummy only craving dry cereal and eggs), I’m happy to say that I just finished my SECOND salad for the week…and I’m actually craving more! Which is a damn good thing since I’m in freak out/clean out the fridge/things are bound to get strange(butgood) clean out the fridge mode before Blend this weekend! πŸ˜‰

    • Laura says

      May 15, 2013 at 1:54 PM

      How did that graprefruit juice make the ‘tarts taste?!

      Good for you!!! I can’t imagine what my body would do on that crazy schedule. xoxo

  5. lucie@swissfitchick says

    May 14, 2013 at 3:21 AM

    YES!!!! I SO agree with the ‘do what’s best for you’-thing. I finally committed to this now I did my ‘last try’ by doing the Whole30. I am so glad I did and now know better!
    I did juice cleansing several times. The last time I did it, I ate bread between the clear soup and the juice meal. Very effective hahaha πŸ™‚

    • Laura says

      May 15, 2013 at 1:55 PM

      LOL! That is a problem with the extreme diets – you do ok for like half and day and then you’re all “OMG ALL THE FOODS!”

  6. STUFT Mama says

    May 14, 2013 at 3:43 AM

    Um, yes, I just love you and your diet. πŸ™‚ You make me smile and all your recipes make me drool. I have so many of them bookmarked it’s not even funny. Can you just come cook for me? πŸ™‚ I gotta try that tart!

    • Laura says

      May 15, 2013 at 1:56 PM

      Thank you!!! I think we should cook together. Can oyu imagine is over-roasted, protein concotions?!

  7. Tara @ Sweat like a Pig says

    May 14, 2013 at 3:46 AM

    This is a great post, Laura! Eating healthy really is quite simple, but most people overcomplicate it. I think blogs actually make it more confusing, as people try to emulate the diet of 100 different bloggers at the same time!

    I once did the cabbage soup diet. It was the first (and last!) crash diet I ever did. I shudder when I think back to that hellish week.

    • Laura says

      May 15, 2013 at 1:57 PM

      Agreed! Do what’s right for YOU, not what’s right for some one else.

  8. Heather @ girlyeverafter says

    May 14, 2013 at 6:02 AM

    I love this diet! You are so right about diet being personal and being common sense. I’ve tried so many “diets” and finally threw my hands in the air realizing I wasn’t happy because food was a chore. I’m a huge fan of balance and eating what I enjoy and makes me feel good.

    I tried the grapefruit diet too, then lunch came and it was over. haha

  9. Amanda @runtothefinish says

    May 14, 2013 at 6:38 AM

    YEAAHHHH πŸ™‚ Part of why I don’t do WIAW is I don’t want people to feel like they need to eat a certain way. I talk frequently about finding your right diet, love this because it’s true.

    All of that being said I’ve also realized as i do it myself, sometimes people want an exact plan because it just gives them sense of comfort πŸ™‚ I think you do a great job of sharing tons of healthy eats to show people how to make it happen.

    oh shout out to you on the site today,

    • Laura says

      May 15, 2013 at 2:01 PM

      I get why people have a problem with it. I just like the opportunity to share my crazy concotions. LOL!

  10. Pamela Hernandez says

    May 14, 2013 at 6:51 AM

    So simple yet it seems so hard for people to execute. Well said. πŸ™‚

  11. Fran@BCDC says

    May 14, 2013 at 6:59 AM

    Great post, Laura! People don’t generally understand that they do the “bad” things to themselves. If they simply thought about what they eat before eating it and have good “clean” foods available, they’d make the right or better choices. Nothing works perfectly for everyone and no one is perfect so that they don’t even have to think about it. That’s why Weight Watchers tries to tell people that this is not a diet, it’s a life style and if you want to succeed, lose the weight and keep it off, you have to do it forever. It sounded scary when I started. Now it’s my way of life and I see what a blessing it’s been in my life. I take NO medications and I’m active and healthy. Boy did you get my mind racing this morning! Have a great day, Laura!

    • Laura says

      May 15, 2013 at 2:05 PM

      I love that you found your own path – it’s one of the reasons I enjoy your posts so much! No medications is such a huge thing, too. People don’t realize they can “cure” theirself!

  12. Brittany @ GOtheXtraMile says

    May 14, 2013 at 7:11 AM

    Love this post!!! Amen! “Diet” is sooo personal, different things work for different people. I’m like you, I eat a little bit of everything πŸ™‚

    • Laura says

      May 15, 2013 at 2:07 PM

      Variety is the spice of life! πŸ™‚

  13. Danielle says

    May 14, 2013 at 7:34 AM

    Love this! So awesome! No diet can possibly be perfect for everyone and I love how flexible you are with your nutrition! Perfect!

  14. Khushboo says

    May 14, 2013 at 7:46 AM

    Preach it, girl! There’s no ‘one size fits all’ approach…if there was, there’s no way vegans & those following a Paleo diet could co-exist! It’s all about trying about different foods and approaches until you find one that suits your lifestyles and which nourishes you physically & mentally!

    • Laura says

      May 15, 2013 at 2:09 PM

      Excatly!!! Don’t be afraid to play with your food! πŸ™‚

  15. Jenny$1983 says

    May 14, 2013 at 7:51 AM

    I really like that last paragraph, about jumping on bandwagons: a large part of what put me off healthy living blogs was when there was a huge shift from everyone being vegan long-distance runners to paleo Crossfitters. It made me realize that these people, who I thought had integrity, actually had no convictions of their own, which really disappointed me.

    I like your concept of a “No Shit” Diet: keeping it simple, clean and healthy for life (with the occasional indulgence should you fancy it) is the way to go – no shit! πŸ˜€

    • Laura says

      May 15, 2013 at 2:10 PM

      LOL! Did you notice that too??? Craziness…

  16. lindsay says

    May 14, 2013 at 7:54 AM

    heck ya! i love all these tips. NO shit. tee hee. But i must change that last tip. ENjoy A GLASS of wine every night, cake ever so often. Just my theory.

    • Laura says

      May 15, 2013 at 2:12 PM

      Haha – just A glass?! Boo… πŸ˜‰

  17. Alyssa @ Road to RD says

    May 14, 2013 at 8:06 AM

    Haha this is awesome! Sometimes being healthy sounds so simple when you put it into perspective like this. Then you actually try it, and not so much…

    • Laura says

      May 15, 2013 at 2:13 PM

      But it is simple! When it’s a way of life… you don’t even want to eat crap all the time.

  18. Parita says

    May 14, 2013 at 8:15 AM

    Love your No Shit “rules!” In college I did a fruit only diet for a day or two. Dumbest decision ever!

  19. Coco @Got2Run4Me says

    May 14, 2013 at 8:20 AM

    Love this! I have wine and dessert most days and eat lots of fruit and veggies, whole grains, lean protein, first. πŸ˜‰

  20. Nicole @ FruitnFitness says

    May 14, 2013 at 8:29 AM

    Thanks for including where you get your peanut flour! I have looked at whole foods, TJ’s, Kroger, target,meijer and it appears to be nowhere. Love the concept of this diet. I think everything in moderation is how I try to go about my eating.

    • Laura says

      May 15, 2013 at 2:14 PM

      YOu can’t buy it in stores anywhere (that I know of). 100% worth an order though!!! Plus, iHerb has lots of grrat stuff to try. πŸ™‚

  21. Maureen says

    May 14, 2013 at 8:33 AM

    LOL I remember writing a post about not eating “crap!” I hate to label my diet. I eat mostly healthy foods most of the time and not-so-healthy foods a small portion of the time. But always….ALWAYS….eat your veggies! πŸ™‚

    • Laura says

      May 15, 2013 at 2:14 PM

      I think we’re on the same diet. πŸ™‚

  22. misszippy says

    May 14, 2013 at 8:43 AM

    I love this! I’m with you–we need to get away from so much labeling. I think it’s a very American thing, too, and most cultures just don’t have the same food fixation (or obesity issues) that we do here. Great list of staples!

    • Laura says

      May 15, 2013 at 2:16 PM

      You are so right! Isn’t there a book about how French women don’t get fat???

  23. Meg @ A Dash of Meg says

    May 14, 2013 at 8:47 AM

    such a great post! love your outlook girl πŸ™‚ your relationship with food is inspiring πŸ™‚ love you

  24. Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen) says

    May 14, 2013 at 8:51 AM

    Great post!!! I’m really happy with my fuel sources right now. I’ve finally found what works for me. It’s been a crazy road to this place, but I’m definitely there. I wish the kabocha diet would work for me, but alas, I have to be an adult and eat balanced…

    • Laura says

      May 15, 2013 at 2:16 PM

      I’m going to make you a new race t-shirt: Fueled by Kabocha.

  25. Heather (Where's the Beach) says

    May 14, 2013 at 8:53 AM

    YES – I hate that the word diet is equated with losing weight vs a person’s dietary lifestyle (like vegetarian). My diet is vegetarian. I am not ON a “diet.” Why is it so hard to just eat healthy whole foods? i don’t understand why people would rather jump on some crazy “quick fix” diet than pick up an apple. And that’s not to say I don’t eat the occasional crap myself of course. But I don’t pretend that it’s healthy b/c it’s a baked chip. It’s still a chip πŸ˜‰

    • Laura says

      May 15, 2013 at 2:18 PM

      Agreed! It drives me insane when people decide to go meat-free to lose weight. There are plenty of overweight vegans! It’s all about balance.

  26. Amber @ ExSoyCise says

    May 14, 2013 at 9:08 AM

    LOVE this! I wish more people followed this and stopped trying all the dumb diets out there!

  27. Jody - Fit at 55 says

    May 14, 2013 at 9:18 AM

    LOVE!!!!!!!!!!!!! You know I would since I just wrote my why I don’t eat Paleo post! It is all abut choices & to each their own for people – what is right for them, what fits their lifestyle…

    I have made changes thru the years – not to a specific diet but just the foods I eat as my body changes & I am sure more changes to come! DAMN HORMONES & AGE! πŸ˜‰

    I am so on board with you here!!!

    I have to say that every time I read that grocery tore name – Publix – I just laugh to myself cause I think of a different word close to it in spelling & sound. YES, I am a child mentally! πŸ˜‰

    • Laura says

      May 15, 2013 at 2:20 PM

      YES – I loved, loved that post too. Silly people.

      (I do the same thing with Publix… πŸ˜‰ )

  28. Alayna @ Thyme Bombe says

    May 14, 2013 at 9:39 AM

    I love the concept of the “No Shit Diet!” My family has always had problems with weight and cannot understand how my sister and I have managed to escape the diabetes and obesity the rest of the women in my family are plagued with. The fact is that she and I have figured out how to eat moderately well every day rather than eating whatever we want all the time with a few short bursts of crazy dieting. It seems to me that my parent’s generation and the one before it just don’t know anything about food. They grew up eating the rich 50’s era casseroles that their depression era parents valued for their caloric density, and just never broke that cycle. It’s “no shit” that you cant loose weight if your pantry staples are canned soup mix, cheddar cheese, and mayo.

    • Laura says

      May 15, 2013 at 2:21 PM

      I understand completely – it’s amazing how much more edicated we are about food now. Many of us, anyway… I still am shocked to learn some people really just don’t know soda isn’t good for you.

  29. Michelle @ Eat Move Balance says

    May 14, 2013 at 9:40 AM

    Amen, lady!! This is exactly my approach as well! I’ve learned that life is too short to worry about indulging in my Mom’s mint brownies or my best friend’s carrot cake. But that’s just it. It’s an indulgence that happens on special occasions . . . not every day. I really do LOVE wholesome, fresh foods so my “staples” look just like yours. And “to each their own” when it comes to dietary preferences . . . we all have to figure out what works best for us.

    • Laura says

      May 15, 2013 at 3:04 PM

      Can you send me some of those brownies? πŸ˜‰

  30. amanda says

    May 14, 2013 at 9:55 AM

    Laura – I absolutely LOVE this post! Every “body” is soooo different. I’m like mostly paleo meets mostly vegan (but with lots of meat! – haha) meets dessert queen! Also, at the end of the day, food is also TO BE ENJOYED!! I think we stress out way too much over “diet” (guilty!) and trying to find that perfect way of eating. If we all just took a deep breath and stopped freaking out and stressing so much, maybe we’d all feel better and enjoy food more. Oh yeah, and enjoy life more too! Thanks for this post – such a great reminder to eat good food, real food, but then also live a little and not kill ourselves over “cheats.”

    • Laura says

      May 15, 2013 at 3:05 PM

      Thank you so much! I love they way you decrbe your diet. πŸ™‚

  31. Grubarazzi says

    May 14, 2013 at 10:01 AM

    I am officially in love with the no shit diet!

  32. Ari @ Ari's Menu says

    May 14, 2013 at 10:04 AM

    Couldn’t agree more!

  33. RavieNomNoms says

    May 14, 2013 at 10:20 AM

    I love love love this post! I am so glad that you have put this out there. I cannot tell you how many of my friends are on these diets that are NOT sustainable. It is so frustrating to watch. While I am not on a “diet” perse, I live a healthy lifestyle. I eat ALL these delicious things you have mentioned on a daily basis and that is my “diet”. People need to learn that there is an emotional part of being healthy as well. Like you said, you can deprive yourself of things you love, have a splurge just don’t do it every day 3 times a day. If you deprive yourself there is actually a negative reaction in your body for doing that. I wish more people knew this!

    I may not be as in shape as you, but I definitely live by these rules you have here, they just make you FEEL good. Whether you work out every day like you and me or if you are only a 3x per week person.

    Thanks for this post! Loved it!

    • Laura says

      May 15, 2013 at 3:07 PM

      Thank you!!! I think you are in perfect shape and I KNOW I love your food. πŸ™‚

  34. Alex @ therunwithin says

    May 14, 2013 at 10:41 AM

    if anything you are probably the most versatile eater out there that i read. maybe it is because you take time to make those staples more than just that food itself – something i need to work on

    • Laura says

      May 15, 2013 at 3:11 PM

      Alex, that is such a huge compliment. Thank you!!! Food is fun… I think if I stuck to the same things/flovors I’d be bored to death.

  35. Tamara says

    May 14, 2013 at 10:44 AM

    Yes. This. Thank you.
    I tried strict paleo for 30 days and it just about made me crazy. No grains + me = danger for those around!

    • Laura says

      May 15, 2013 at 3:12 PM

      Thank YOU! I tried the paleo thing too. NOT a god idea.

  36. Natalie says

    May 14, 2013 at 10:58 AM

    I love this. So very true.
    I’ve tried different fad diets and none of them work for me. I am happy with eating clean and healthy.

    • Laura says

      May 15, 2013 at 3:13 PM

      Good for you!! πŸ™‚

  37. Missy says

    May 14, 2013 at 11:09 AM

    I love this! It will help frame my mentality when I find myself thinking…”But I want some more shit!”
    (I am one of those “everyday, all day” treat eaters when I get in a mode).

    :LOL. Shit sounds lots less appealing than (insert my gluttonous food of choice here).

    • Laura says

      May 15, 2013 at 3:15 PM

      Well… you can eat all day if it’s good stuff. πŸ™‚

  38. Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl says

    May 14, 2013 at 11:19 AM

    I am loving your Diet 101 stipulations. I try to follow this as much as I can. A clean/healthy diet = a happy body! πŸ™‚

    • Laura says

      May 15, 2013 at 3:16 PM

      Agreed!! πŸ™‚

  39. Kierston @candyfit says

    May 14, 2013 at 11:52 AM

    Totally with ya!

  40. Cait's Plate says

    May 14, 2013 at 11:56 AM

    You already know I love this!!

  41. Sarah Kay Hoffman says

    May 14, 2013 at 11:58 AM

    I agree…for the most part. I love this post and the balance that comes along with it. Sometimes, though, when I read posts like these it makes me feel a little bad. I follow no gluten – I have for almost 3 years. I don’t do much dairy or grains, etc, etc. BUT, I HAVE TO. Colitis doesn’t give me a choice. I struggle so much with talking about gluten free this, gluten free that because I know so many people call BS on it. For me, for so many, these lifestyles are critical. My gut thrives because of my lifestyle. For the AVERAGE, NORMAL person, though…you are spot on, Laura.

    • Laura says

      May 15, 2013 at 3:19 PM

      That’s why I made the disclaimer at the end. I 100% believe people have different dietary needs. This post is NOT putting that down. I have serveral very good friends that are GF… which is why I made them the cookies I posted on Friday. πŸ™‚

  42. GiGi Eats Celebrities says

    May 14, 2013 at 12:08 PM

    Diet = 1000000% personal! I love all your tips and tricks and what not, but as you said, it’s personal! I only eat 2 meals a day, because my stomach feels best that way and I have to shy away from a lot of healthy carbs because of their fructose/sugar load!!! Oh my life. Ah ha ha! Oh well, I embrace it and love it.

    PS: You need to go to my blog today… You are mentioned!!! πŸ˜‰

  43. caterina says

    May 14, 2013 at 12:45 PM

    I love this “no shit diet” and it’s really what I’m trying to do!!! The only thing I don’t really get is why only one banana a day…

    • Laura says

      May 15, 2013 at 3:21 PM

      I don’t eat a ton because they are like the highest fruit on the glycemic index. It’s a fruit… but it’s still a simple sugar. A moderate amount can be used for energy, but after a while it’s a sugar-carb bomb. BUT – like I said – this is how I eat. Diet is personal .:)

  44. morgan says

    May 14, 2013 at 12:54 PM

    this is my favorite post & it totally hit home this week! as a person with food allergies, people tell me all the time what I should or should not eat & then try to link being thin with my “forced” healthy eating. I also am an athlete & I know its diet AND exercise AND its personal πŸ™‚ every body is different & I use a wide range of paleo, gluten free, raw & vegan recipes & foods without sticking to one single thing. its my diet & it is what works for me! thank you for being such a ray of sunshine in the “diet” world- speak the truth & keep the witty comments coming!

    • Laura says

      May 15, 2013 at 3:23 PM

      Thank you so much! It sounds like we eat pretty similarly. πŸ˜‰

  45. Katie @ KatieEnPursuit says

    May 14, 2013 at 12:57 PM

    Love this! Your “Diet 101” is basically what I email clients when they’re first looking for nutrition advice, sometimes simple guidelines are the easiest!

    • Laura says

      May 15, 2013 at 4:28 PM

      That’s really good to know! I need to go get some sort of certification…

  46. Kim says

    May 14, 2013 at 1:03 PM

    I love the “no shit” diet!!! The hardest thing for me when I started reading fitness blogs was feeling inadequate because I eat more crap than so many of the awesome bloggers out there. Over time I’ve gotten sort-of over it but I really appreciate posts like this that make me feel better about what I eat. Lots of meat (and a daily cocktail!!) have worked fine for me so far and until it quits working, I’m ok with it!!
    Thanks for this!!

    • Laura says

      May 15, 2013 at 4:34 PM

      I did the same thing when I started 3 years ago!!! After experimenting a bit I realized diet is not a one size fits all… and is actually much simpler than people make it.

      Cheers! πŸ˜‰

  47. Jenn L @ Peas and Crayons says

    May 14, 2013 at 1:38 PM

    YES! YES! 1000X YES!

  48. Meghan@CleanEatsFastFeets says

    May 14, 2013 at 1:49 PM

    I’d say No Shit Sherlock, but I think this shit is something folks need to hear. It’s not a diet: eat the rainbow, eat clean, fruits, veggies, good carbs, good fats, protein like a mad woman and eat the lesser carbs, fats and sugars in moderation. Sing it sister!

    • Laura says

      May 15, 2013 at 4:43 PM

      No shit, Sherlock is right! Someone told me to write a book, but I said that’s over-complicating it. LOL!

  49. calee says

    May 14, 2013 at 2:18 PM

    LOVE this post. I think I’m going to add an “enhanced” perspective to this, not a different perspective. πŸ˜‰

    My diet right now is unfortunately mostly shit, or at least it’s mostly bland. no fruits, veggies, etc. for the time being because of tummy troubles, which is super, mega, ultra lame.

    • calee says

      May 14, 2013 at 2:21 PM

      Also, I really like your rules. You should probably just write the book and get it over with. I’d buy it. These concepts are EXACTLY what I’m trying to work towards with intuitive eating (in my mind, what you’re saying is the same thing as intuitive eating β€” don’t be a dumbass.) so I’m glad you posted this before my guest post.

      • Sarah @ The Smart Kitchen says

        May 14, 2013 at 2:45 PM

        I agree. I used to follow those rules. Somewhere along the line I became way too obsessed with defining my diet. Actually I know exactly when it happened, but that’s a post for another day. I am striving to get back to a place where I can throw OUT the rules and just EAT. (And drink. Alcohol, that is. If I want to. Which is rare. But sometimes I want to.)

        • calee says

          May 14, 2013 at 3:27 PM

          BOOOOOOOOOOOZE.

          Kidding. But seriously. It’s funny because I eat far less ice cream and crap than I did when I dieted chronically. Because now that I don’t see that there’s “extra calories” I “earned” from running or whatever, I don’t feel the need to cram in a pint of ice cream here and there (but sometimes I do still eat my feelings, which is what i need to work on still!).

          • Laura says

            May 15, 2013 at 5:08 PM

            I love you both. No book. That goes against the simplicity. πŸ˜‰

            And OMG I want to do a whole post on “earning” calories. Argh.

  50. Heidi says

    May 14, 2013 at 3:57 PM

    Great post – I absolutely hate the restriction that fad diets present. Food is way too fun not to try a little of everything! You really can be so creative with fruits, veggies, whole grains, lean proteins and herbs and spices. I’m looking forward to seeing your spice mix(es)!
    I’m fully in support of a No Shit Diet πŸ™‚

    • Laura says

      May 15, 2013 at 5:16 PM

      Ah – I have to get on the spice mix thing again. After this weekend. I think.

  51. Lauren @ Sweat The Sweet Stuff says

    May 14, 2013 at 4:28 PM

    Love it! This is totally how I eat and what I believe in. Grapefruit only? Lol. I tried to be vegan about 5 years ago after reading “Skinny Bitch” I had no problem not eating dairy but I missed meat. It actually made me lose hair. So it didn’t last long either.

    • Laura says

      May 15, 2013 at 5:19 PM

      HA! I did the SAME thing. And my hair started shedding too!

  52. Sam @ Better With Sprinkles says

    May 14, 2013 at 5:43 PM

    Everything about your approach is awesome, beginning with the name πŸ˜‰ All of your staples and your approach makes a lot of sense to me…eat well, but throw some treats in there when you want them. So sensible! Diets are definitely individualized, so I appreciate that you don’t post exact ratios..what works for one person doesn’t work for the next!

  53. Amanda Fraijo-Tobin (@FraijoManda) says

    May 14, 2013 at 5:59 PM

    A-frackin-men!

    I’ve never wanted to label myself in this manner since the beginning of what I’d just call a “lifestyle” change. I know I’d be at special occasions and people would be like, “well I would offer you dessert, but..” BUT what??? OFFER me that dessert dammit!

    Balance, and common sense, thats my “diet” πŸ˜‰

    • Laura says

      May 15, 2013 at 5:21 PM

      I HATE when people do that! Of when they think I don’t eat meat… WTF?! Healthy doesn’t not necessarily = vegetarian. *sigh*

  54. kirsten@FarmFreshFeasts says

    May 14, 2013 at 7:17 PM

    Great post, Laura!

    I’m so with you on the fads/trends/bandwagons of food. And of fitness, now that I read the comments on marathons/Crossfit.

    You’ve shared much common sense. Well done!

    • Laura says

      May 15, 2013 at 5:22 PM

      You’re the second person to point out the running/crossfit thing! I thought it was just in my head. πŸ™‚

      Thank you!!

  55. Linz @ Itz Linz says

    May 14, 2013 at 9:29 PM

    Really great post! Very informative & gives tons of information! We need to get this out to the WORLD!!!!!!!

  56. Tess @ Cross Country Cajun says

    May 14, 2013 at 10:09 PM

    Can you trademark this – because I think you should – it is a winning “diet” if I have ever heard of one. I see a book deal headed your way. As someone who has tried every diet ever and now just listens to her body and doesn’t eat shit – I absolutely loved this post. You are awesome! Can’t wait to meet you at Blend!

    • Laura says

      May 15, 2013 at 5:24 PM

      LOL! I wish! πŸ™‚ A book would over complicate it though! It really is this simple. πŸ™‚

  57. purelytwins says

    May 14, 2013 at 11:19 PM

    love the no shit diet!!!!
    can’t wait to Blend – so excited to meet you and hang out πŸ™‚

    • Laura says

      May 15, 2013 at 5:26 PM

      2 more days!!!!!

  58. Lee says

    May 15, 2013 at 6:57 AM

    I feel like I generally eat this way. Sometimes I eat food that’s processed too. Gasp, I know! But I try to keep it mostly healthy and mostly healthy seems to work.

    • Laura says

      May 15, 2013 at 5:27 PM

      Well, our favorite yogurt is processed. We all do it. πŸ™‚

  59. Sara @ Nourish and Flourish says

    May 15, 2013 at 1:29 PM

    I love your balanced and moderate approach to eating, Laura! No shit is right! The best diet is the one that makes us feel OUR best–not one that makes somebody else feel THEIR best. For me, this means that on *most* days I enjoy 6-7 small meals composed of a variety of gluten free foods. However I also love to “indulge,” and when I’m traveling, I often eat 3-4 times/day. Life is too short to live rigidly!

    So excited to meet you this weekend!

    • Laura says

      May 15, 2013 at 5:28 PM

      I’m the same way – I travel a lot for work, too. Have to be able to be flexible. And pack well. πŸ™‚

      I can’t wait!!!

  60. Allie says

    May 15, 2013 at 4:36 PM

    I love you and your common sense and direct approach to good food. As always. I mean, it’s all so DUH, and yet, no one ever just SAYS it. Eat good, real, fresh food. Enjoy a treat if you want it and ARE going to enjoy it.

    Kroger is actually really awesome about ordering things for you if you ask, too–even my trashy ghetto Krog. Still need to find/buy bison and sea bass.

  61. Sue says

    May 15, 2013 at 5:13 PM

    I love this approach to healthy eating! I’m still working out some kinks in my diet. Plant-based and unprocessed works best for me, but sometimes it slip up and have some ice cream. Oh well, nobody’s perfect, right?

    • Laura says

      May 15, 2013 at 5:30 PM

      Hey, it’s not a slip up. It’s a thing normal people do! Ice cream is tasty!! πŸ™‚

  62. Karey @ Nutty About Health says

    May 15, 2013 at 7:55 PM

    Great post, I love this!! I love the title too!! haha
    Seriously though, I agree, diet is SO personal & individual & I try to do the same & tell people just because I’m eating a certain way doesn’t mean it’s the be-all-end-all & that they should too. As they say, “different strokes for different folks”. πŸ˜›

    • Laura says

      May 16, 2013 at 8:03 AM

      Thanks, Karey! It makes me sad when people feel so pressured to jump on whatever bandwagon. Food should be easy and fun!

  63. Lawrence says

    May 15, 2013 at 11:04 PM

    I never believed in diets especially after my Slim Fast episode when I tried to initially lose weight in my teens. I was downing thise puppies like a soda junkie! I was drinking 2-3 at a time several times during the day and sometimes with meals lol. After breaking the bank and gaining even more weight! I figured I wasn’t doing it right.

    I found that the weight came off when I just used good ole common sense and ate what I liked, just a little less of the things that weren’t the best for me and more of the things that were. Even now, there are days where I get up to 500g of carbs without batting an eye and my body loves it…but I only do this every blue moon.

    Awesome post! Keep rockin this blog…its A+

    • Laura says

      May 16, 2013 at 8:05 AM

      Hahaha – I totally forgot about Slim Fast! Those things were rank! πŸ˜‰

      Thank you so, so much Lawrence!

  64. Annette@FitnessPerks says

    May 16, 2013 at 1:20 PM

    Great message! πŸ™‚

    Most ‘diets’ & diet books are not sustainable & set people up for failure anyways.

    • Laura says

      May 16, 2013 at 6:02 PM

      So true – people wonder why they fail and it’s because fads are band-aids, not lifestyles.

  65. Carol @ Lucky Zucca says

    May 16, 2013 at 5:02 PM

    Ahhh i love this post!!!! bookmarking… PS my dad bought liquid smoke the other day and all I could think about was “LAURA USES THAT STUFF!”

    • Laura says

      May 16, 2013 at 6:02 PM

      OMG really?! Your dad rocks. πŸ™‚

  66. Nancy says

    May 17, 2013 at 12:32 PM

    This is the perfect name for the “diet”. I agree, diets are so personal. I got a lot of flack for being on a paleo challenge for 30 days and losing 9lbs when I’m already “small”. But since it changed me so much (and I don’t feel, for the better) – I still wanted to keep it up somewhat. I’ve incorporated wheat and dairy again and I feel a little better. But having this “no shit diet” is awesome lol. I’ll be doing this πŸ™‚

    • Laura says

      May 20, 2013 at 2:49 PM

      Good for you for realizing what was and wasn’t working – I learned a lot from a brief Paleo trial too. πŸ™‚

  67. Lisa says

    May 18, 2013 at 8:07 PM

    Love this!!

  68. Megan (The Lyons' Share) says

    May 26, 2013 at 12:30 PM

    Love this post! Just found your blog and looking forward to continuing to read!

  69. Krystle says

    July 7, 2013 at 11:41 PM

    Laura! Thanks for posting this. It’s very helpful!
    I was wondering… would you care to help us out and give your readers basic guidelines and motivations for what worked for you going into your bodybuilding path. After following your blog for quite a while you’ve inspired me to want to ease myself into that path. You’re kind of freaking cool. Anyway, I’m basically at a stump right now. I’ve been gaining weight and I’ve stopped exercising. I want to go back. I want to feel good about myself again. I know, I know that diet, fitness, motivations are different for everyone and are personal, but if you don’t mind, I’d love to hear from you. Thanks a ton!

    • Laura says

      July 8, 2013 at 10:19 AM

      Thank you! I’m not sure exactly where to start… LOL! I’ve posted a lot about thejourney on my Fitness page: https://www.sprint2thetable.com/fitness/ Let me know if that’s what you eere looking for!

  70. Gabi says

    August 7, 2013 at 9:26 PM

    I just came across your blog today and I completely agree with this mindset…moderation and an individual approach are so key and something I definitely try to stress when thinking about my nutrition and writing my blog as well.

    • Laura says

      August 7, 2013 at 10:22 PM

      Thank you so much for stopping by and commenting! I can’t wait to check out your blog. πŸ™‚

    • Laura says

      August 7, 2013 at 10:23 PM

      Oops – the link to your blog didn’t work. What is the URL?

  71. Gabi says

    August 7, 2013 at 10:34 PM

    Yikes sorry just starting out and still in the process of a URL upgrade- it’s http://www.livehealtheasy.blogspot.com, thanks for checking me out πŸ™‚

  72. Christina says

    January 4, 2014 at 11:32 AM

    I love this post! You are correct in all respects. You rock!

    Christina B
    http://gofiguregirl.wordpress.com/

    • Laura says

      January 4, 2014 at 5:50 PM

      Thank you so much! πŸ™‚

  73. Courtney Bentley says

    August 10, 2014 at 11:11 AM

    Great post πŸ™‚ I am obsessed with IHERB because of you πŸ˜‰ I love eating and am happy to eat healthy but love to mix things up! Right now I am working on muscle growth so late night eats have been where its at! Thanks for sharing <3 xo C

    • Laura says

      August 10, 2014 at 11:48 PM

      I’m so glad you’re loving it too! I’m late night feeding my growth as we speak… πŸ™‚

Trackbacks

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