Somewhere along with the creation of the marketing of nutrition and exercise, people started believing they needed rules to follow for what to eat and when to move (play). 

For example, people think they need a meal plan.  

But they don’t.

When I started in the fitness industry over 20 years ago, I was excellent at writing exercise and meal plans for my clients with all sorts of pictures, charts and schedules.

My filing cabinets and shelves were full of programs tailored to each person’s needs. 

I devised unique plans based on what my clients said they wanted.  I was proud of my creativity and the time I invested in making each one unique.

How many of my clients do you think stick to their plans?  Maybe 10% or less.

I realized that even the best coaching doesn’t succeed unless a person is ready, willing, and able to do the work independently.

And it wasn’t going to work if it wasn’t fun!  If something is too time-consuming, too restricting, or too challenging, people don’t stick to it.  

People want to know what to do.  They want rules.

For example:

“What’s better, cardio or weights?”

“Can I still have wine?  It helps me wind down after a stressful day.”

“Is it better if I don’t eat carbs ever again?”

They keep looking for another health hack.  Or diet.  Or a meal plan.  One that they might like this time and will stick to and finally get results.  

Give two people the same meal and exercise plan, and they will get very different outcomes.

NOT because one sticks to it and the other doesn’t (although adherence can also be a factor), but because everyone is different. 

The #1 reason you don’t need a meal plan because every “body” is unique. 

Here’s the reality.  Everyone on this planet has different DNA.  Meal plans are not just for our weight and size.

Proper nutrition must consider our amount of muscle tissue, activity level, stress levels, quality of sleep, health status and even our body type, genetics and past health history.

If you were to follow a meal plan, it would need to be tweaked often to get and keep delivering results for you.

In my years of coaching, adherence to a “Meal Plan” often stops here, usually because the prepping, measuring, shopping and cooking become overwhelming.  So, ordering pizza seems more logical instead!

So start simple.

Wouldn’t it be better to start with a simple approach and then make adjustments?

My coaching clients are relieved that there are no rules—just tools to help them succeed in a way that makes sense to them.  

One place to start is with what is actually on your plate!  

Can you fill half your plate with veggies, especially those you like?  Simple, yes.  Easy, no!

Consistency is key! 

Good nutrition helps control your energy balance through quality nutrients which help you feel, look and perform better.  

You don’t need a meal plan.   

Combined with regular play (exercise) and excellent stress management, it might be all that you need to do to start seeing the physical and mental health benefits.  

My job is to help you find a way to play, eat, and move in a direction that meets your life’s needs and not give you a meal or exercise plan that you probably won’t stick to in the long run. 

It doesn’t need to be complicated.  Trust me!

Play on!

Coach Jan

P.S.  Whenever you’re ready, here are a few ways I can help:

1. Grab a copy of my practical back-to-basics guide on embracing exercise as play here – The Play Book:  How To Get In The Habit Of Good Health.
2. Follow me on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn.
3. Get coached!  If you are ready to improve your health without more medication, dieting or going to the gym, let’s connect.  Send an email with the title “Coaching” to info@janetomstead.com.