Exit "Dieting." Enter "Fueling."

"Diets" often fail, and a primary reason is because nobody wants to be told what not to do. I am a dietitian, but I don't prescribe "diets."

The word “diet” can be simply defined as “the food one regularly consumes” but it tends to have a negative connotation implying restriction, food rules, and even set periods of time. "Diets" often fail, and a primary reason is because, well, let’s face it- nobody wants to be told what not to do. I am a dietitian, but I don’t prescribe “diets,” or hand out “diet plans.” Of course, there are certain scenarios, such as Celiac disease, that require specific approaches backed by medical nutrition therapy that one could consider a “diet,” and dietitians are uniquely trained to prescribe these evidence-based strategies. They can significantly improve quality of life and extend the health-span of one’s life but let’s dig a little deeper into “diets.”

Exit “dieting” and enter the concept of “fueling,” or “giving substances to provide energy.” This suggests something that feels a lot less negative than “dieting,” right? Think of it this way…those who have access to a vehicle typically make sure they are taking good care of their vehicle and fuel it appropriately. We try to avoid driving our cars into the ground but often push our bodies without considering the fueling strategy. Those who have spent a considerable amount of time working with clients on fueling know that hard and fast food rules or rigid plans (diets) typically have a short shelf life or run out of gas. When it comes to long-term fueling, there is no magic bullet, no quick fix, and no master formula. Nutrition isn’t just about macros or calories. Your own nutrition is about YOU, and it is about the food that works for you. Food is personal. Fueling is about nutrition but it is also about nourishment, family, friends, home, happiness, comfort and so much more.

Many individuals seek to use nutrition to enhance performance and food can absolutely do that. But, to reap the most benefit from your fuel, it is worth taking some time to first explore your relationship with food. Relationship with food? What does that even mean? Believe it or not many people have a complicated relationship with food and do not even realize it. They consume food and at the same time, thoughts around food consume them. There is so much misinformation and nutrition non-science (nonsense!) everywhere, leaving people more confused than ever. The truth is food does not need to be as complicated as it has become. Food can be flexible and fun and still be functional and serve as fuel to push your body forward toward whatever goals you are trying to reach.

Working with athletes and other active individuals chasing their personal goals, it has become abundantly clear that evidence-based guidance and structure can be extremely helpful AND food is also meant to be enjoyed! Realistic and flexible performance nutrition honors your body and pushes guilt and judgement aside. A healthy relationship with food can balance optimal nutrition strategies with food and taste preferences and considerations of time, convenience, and accessibility. What would a healthy relationship with food look like for you?

Nutrition serves as a competitive advantage for all athletes.

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Mary Ellen Kelly MS RD CSSD LDN Sports & Performance Dietitian