Whoa...I know, I know!  You think I'm off my rocker right?!?  Don't worry I don't have a complex or think I was too big or anything like that.  But yes, I went on a strict diet for 6 weeks (some days were better than others).  Why, you ask?

The biggest reason was to see if I could do it.  Secondly, I wanted to gain some muscle mass and lose fat mass.  Thirdly, I wanted to feel what so many do when they are in a negative caloric balance (hungry enough to eat dirt) while trying to lose weight (walk in some of my clients' shoes)!

The reason I have never really dieted is because I always train.  I have basically been training regularly for 20 years.  Don't guess my age.  My weight has flucuated minimally and I really only gained weight twice in my life (pregnancy and during a year of not taking care of myself).  Essentially, I am the same weight I was in high school but better body composition (more muscle and less fat).  The other factor is that I generally eat healthy.  I don't drink pop, or eat fast food and I eat fruits, vegetables and lean meats every day.  I don't eat white bread or white pasta and I love nuts and different sorts of beans.  So, you ask, why was the diet so tough?

This was not a diet for someone needing to lose lots of weight.  It was a diet to get ripped (lose fat and maintain muscle mass).  It really was for people who already eat healthy and are at a healthy weight but want to be leaner.  Think body builder or fitness competitor.  This diet involved 4 meals per day of equal calories and based on my size (I'm about 165cm and 51kg) the grams of protein, carbs and fat were high on the protein and fat (very specific #'s based on body weight) and ridiculously low on the carbs (but I was eating lots of veggies with every meal).

Anyone who knows me knows my weakness for sweets!  I generally think that chocolate is its own food group that should be consumed with every meal!  In order not to lose my muscle mass I was training 6 days /week (normal for me) and supplementing with creatine, and branched chain amino acids, fish oil and my usual multi vitamin. 

Some days I was so hungry I felt ill.  Other days I felt so amazing in training because I was getting leaner.  On the re-feed days I ate whatever I wanted without going over board and typically gained a kilo over night!  It was chanllenging to say the least.  Plus I was wussing out and only doing 6 weeks not the 8-12 recommended!  My family was supportive but sensitive about what they were eating in front of me (maybe it was the way I was watching them eat a sandwich) and during the evenings I could literally be salivating to eat a tiny bowl of yogurt and a few nuts.

So how did it go?  I started at 15.4% body fat and after the first 2 weeks I was at 13.8% body fat.  I lost about 1.5 kg but was lean and the body comp was more important to me.  I did not get the final body comp but I probably finished around 12% body fat.  

Because I felt so good and I love to train hard, race and be healthy...to me it is worth the occasional diet or short term restriction to keep my body fat between 13-15% for life.  Because I was eating so cleanly, my mood was generally better, after the first 2 weeks I had more energy, I had less pms symptoms, and my strength and running improved.  

I am certainly not telling people to go on diets...typically I do not advocate most diets. The point I would like to make is not to put the cart before the horse.  Do not think that you should restrict your calories to lose weight if you don't even eat healthy in the first place.  The first step everyone should take is making healthy choices at every meal and eating less of the foods that aren't really foods (all that processed crap in the middle of the grocery store).  I know it is tough with all of the unhealthy options out there but here are some ideas from people who practice what they preach... 

One of my best friends has a rule in her house for her children...they eat vegetables before every meal.  The kids have been doing it all their lives and it is normal for them.  
My father still plants his own garden every year and feasts on all of the veggies in the summer and throughout the fall.  
Many athletes I know have a healthy pre-game meal ritual that makes them feel ready to play mentally and physically.
As you know, my vice is sweets.  I have a rule of not buying the preserved junk in the stores when I can bake something much better and healthier at home.  Also, I use little to no white flour in anything I bake.  

I don't believe that deprivation is the path to a healthy lifestyle but I do believe it is warranted on occasion when over eating and too many processed foods have been the norm.  Then DO deprive yourself of the chips, pop, candy, alcohol etc. and don't deprive yourself of the colourful fruits and veggies (pomegranate, oranges, avacado, tomatoes, redpeppers, berries, spinach are some of my faves) that will do great things for your health. 

Bottom line... eat well, your body will thank you.  My 6 weeks of deprivation gave me a greater appreciation of the foods that I love that are really good for me.  I love how we eat (my family).  It is varied, healthy, allows room for the occasional treat and always leaves us looking forward to the next meal.  Enjoy what you eat so that it brings you health and satisfaction! 

Fuel your body like it's a ferrari...premium please!