A few months ago, a client asked me what was the difference between my nutrition program and one that is available in a fitness magazine?

Hmm. Where do I start? To be honest, I was actually completely caught off guard with the question.

To begin with, all weight loss/diet information in fitness magazines are generalizations to give you an idea of where to start and, possibly, to give you an idea of what you’re doing wrong. In fact, what many people don’t realize is the vast majority of fitness/training pictures are also staged for the articles! Magazines, in my opinion, offer news and extremely valuable information from experts in the field. It’s definitely a weapon in my arsenal for research purposes but, unfortunately, it cannot offer someone personalized guidance especially for weight loss.

An effective weight loss strategy for a person, in most instances, require a customized approach. Not a generalized one. Factors such as goals, current health/injuries, fitness levels, nutrition habits/history, lifestyle/schedules, and food sensitivities should play a HUGE FACTOR when it comes to the design of a program. Also when progress is achieved, your plan (workouts, food, and portion sizes) should be adjusted accordingly. 

It is not possible for a general article to provide anyone with that kind of direction (i.e. “Coaching”).

To date, I don’t ever recall anyone ever saying, “Wow! That diet program from that magazine I read got me into the best shape of my life”. I’ll also wager I don’t think I ever will.

On that note, my hubby is off to read the Men’s Health “Spartacus Program” so he can look exactly like Liam McIntyre in 30 days :S