I belong to a fitness inspiration group on Facebook that is for women from all over the world. Everyone is in a different stage of their fitness journey, but we all have the same ultimate goal of being our own definition of "fit" or "healthy". This Facebook group has created an international community to share fitspo and be encouraged by others. I enjoy seeing what other people have to say about foods and exercises they do or do not recommend. Though, it wasn't until the other day I came to the realization that there is no such thing as "one size fits all" when it comes to your personal health and fitness.
There are several blogs (including this one) and articles that discuss what you exercises you need to do, what you need to eat, and what you should not eat to be "fit". Just in the last couple days, I have skimmed articles with titles along the lines of, "8 Food You Should Never Eat", "10 Food You Thought Were Healthy", and the-like. According to one article, apparently I am not supposed to eat bananas... Well, I like bananas. They give me energy before a morning workout; they settle my stomach and assist my muscles after an intense run; they spruce up my peanut butter toast breakfast. I eat one almost every day. Yes, perhaps there are "healthier" fruits out there to choose from, but the nutrients in bananas give me the energy I am looking for at that specific time of day. If I combined a list of every food I am "not supposed to eat" or that is "not considered healthy" according to a handful of people in society, there would be very few foods to choose from.
We need balance. We also need to understand that one goal can be achieved in various ways. There isn't a single perfect way to get there. We are all wired differently.
For example, we'll say that there are two women that are 5'4" tall, weigh 120 lbs and are 25 years old -
Both may consume the same amount of calories per day, but have a completely different physique. Or, one of them may eat 2,000 calories per day and another may eat 3,500 calories per day, but yet they both have a similar physique. Or, one of them may lift heavily 5 days per week while another may run or do cardio everyday, yet they have the same physique.
Several scenarios can be created just by two people that are the same height, weight, and age. The way your body responds to nutrients and exercise is going to vary completely, so quit comparing yourself and your diet to others! Focus on what is best for you and your goals. Recommendations are always great, especially when you are wanting to try something new & different, but there is no "one size fits all". So just because your macro diet didn't give you the particular outcome you were looking for, don't give up! Try something else. Health and fitness is all trial & error.
Do what makes you happy and be self-confident!
XOXO
- Katharine
**I am no expert. This is only what I have found from personal experience.