The Perfect Fat Loss Diet for You

“What do you eat in a day?” I get asked that a lot. And while it’s easy to just answer that question just to get it over and done with, I know that a big part of why people want to know is because some would want to replicate it with the hopes of getting the same result as I did. However, it’s not that simple. I do answer questions though about if I still eat rice, do I do intermittent fasting, how many times in a day do I eat… Those are simple questions. But the details of my diet are a big mystery to a lot of people (except of course when you see me post my lunch on social media, but that’s just it, because I eat 5-6 times a day).

So, I know that people are curious because they’re simply looking for the perfect diet to help them lose weight. But the reality of it is my diet is not for everyone. In fact, it’s not for anyone but me. But let me tell you how I figure out what I should eat through these points:

My physical activity is a big factor. As of this moment, I am still 5kgs more than my goal weight. However, I am not rushing it. I’m okay with losing it in a span of 6 months even, if that is what it takes just so I won’t compromise my strength and performance as an athlete. To be honest if I want to shed that 5kgs, I can just cut my food intake big time and “mind over matter” this thing – “Gel, you are not hungry. Just drink water.” But again, I cannot compromise my strength and I want a diet that’s not just going to make me lose fat but would also be a sustainable one. Because I believe that a diet is a lifestyle, and when you get used to it, you won’t need to cheat from it. Hence, you’ll never hear me say, “cheat day!”

I have health conditions to consider. I am prone to having a really bad case of acid reflux. And because of it, I need to eat whenever I feel like I’m getting hungry, and I can’t just starve myself anytime of the day like when one does OMAD (One Meal A Day). It’s not about getting used to it, but more of not triggering my acid reflux tendencies. And because I used to have an eating disorder, I’m trying to continue having a healthy relationship with food. I’m preventing myself from starving or binging, which may trigger it back. Both physical and mental health matters when it comes to having a healthier lifestyle, and it cannot always be equated with being thin or losing so much weight. Keep that in mind.

I have my own personal goal to achieve. As many of you know, I do Crossfit, Powerlifting, and Kettlebell Sports. And because of that, I don’t mind getting buff (I actually love being buff), because my goal is to be stronger and not just to be thinner or slimmer. I get a lot of “you should just be slimmer/lose weight” comment, because being buff is not conventionally beautiful; but we’re going to spit on that social standard. Beauty is any shape and size, long as you’re healthy and comfortable. I may be an acquired taste, but the only opinion that matters is the one I have about my own self, and not some guy who wants me to be what would turn him on. Leave if this isn’t your cup of tea.  And because this is my goal, I eat a high protein diet paired with my needed complex carbs to help me with my body recomp – still losing fat without losing muscle mass. That’s my kind of thicc.

I’m totally fine losing fat slow and steady, and you should be too. My goal, and everyone’s goal too, should be more of fat loss than just weight loss. Why? Girls, hear me out, having more muscle mass does not always equate to being buff like I am. Unless we have the same program, you won’t get buff when you do weight training. And second, when you cut too much, your body will soon adapt to that change and will start slowing down your metabolism so it can store more food for energy; so, to lose weight, what should you do when you plateau during that? Cut a bit more. But if you’ve already cut too much, what more is there left to eat? That is why it is better to do just a 200-300 calorie deficit from your maintenance when you’re trying to lose fat. How do you know what your caloric maintenance? You may have a good estimate using Calculator.net. And staying active helps a lot too! You don’t need to do my workout! You can do some home exercises, jog, run, do Zumba, whatever floats your boat. Just exercise at least 30 minutes a day and you’re good.

The thing you should keep in mind when looking for the PERFECT FAT LOSS DIET is that no two diets can ever be the same. There is a specific diet for you, your lifestyle, and your condition. What worked for me will definitely not work for you, because I specifically tailor-fitted it for myself. And while it is true that fat loss can be as simple as calories in, calories out, (1) you still need to make healthier choices and (2) you shouldn’t over-deprive yourself; because remember that having a diet is not a punishment. It’s a lifestyle choice.