The source of calories is far more important than a number all on its own.  If you are someone who needs 2,000 calories per day and you opted to ingest exactly that number from candy, cakes and cookies, think about how you'd feel compared to if you'd eaten more or less 2,000 calories in one day from a variety of leafy greens, wild fish, grass fed beef and some fresh berries?

Learning to listen to what your body is telling you is one of the most important lessons you'll learn. Hungry? Eat. Starting to feel full during a meal? Stop eating.

So why do I offer plans with specific numbers of calories, then?

That's easy. So many are conditioned to needing to know a quantitative, hard number, particularly those who are coming from a 'chronic dieting background' or a weight loss mentality that it's become uncomfortable to attempt to think that one's body would tell them what, how much and when to eat. As such, and after receiving many inquiries from clients, blog readers and twitter followers to please offer calorie-based plans, I did so.

It's really that simple.

All plans are easily modified based on simply having a little more of each item in any given meal if you still feel a little hungry or having a little less if the portion feels too big.   For example, a 6'2", 210 pound man married to a 5'6", 130 pound woman can buy and follow the same plan just by eating a little bit more, or a little bit less, respectively, than what the menu calls for.

Again, it's the balance of protein, carbohydrate and fat that matters most.

The most important thing to remember is that whichever plan you choose, it's merely a guideline.  If you opted for the 2,000 calorie plan and still felt hungry after each meal, add a little bit of each item to your plate the next time you eat.     If you're going for the 6-wk endurance plan and find that your training schedule differs from the mock schedule I've created, choose one day in the plan that does mimic your own training and use that as a model to make necessary changes.

You'll know you've found the balance when you're satiated, not too full, not too hungry and your energy level feels balanced all day long.  If you're overweight to begin with, you'll see the number on the scale dropping slowly (and safely) but surely.  For those of you who are athletes, you'll feel fueled, strong and ready to train, race and recover properly.

Even if it seems impossible, just remember that your body will indeed tell you what it needs; just listen to what it has to say!

With any plan, as it is pre-written and not custom-made for you, there will  be some tweaking needed here and there.  It's part of the process. Stick with it and you'll  get it dialed in.

If you need help or do not feel a balanced energy level, phenomenal sleep or anything else indicative of less than optimal health, don't give up.  It takes some practice, but I can promise you, it's well worth it.

You can always book a consult with me; I'm  here to help!