What is Structured Eating?
Structured eating is a term for an approach to food and nutrition that prioritizes sticking to a set routine. This can mean eating certain foods at specific times of day, or always having breakfast within an hour of waking up. It may also refer to planning ahead by prepping meals or packing snacks and bringing them with you on the go.
For some people, structured eating simply means being more mindful about when and how they’re consuming food. But for others, it’s a way to manage a specific health condition, like diabetes. No matter your reason for wanting to try structured eating, there are plenty of benefits to be had.
The Benefits of Structured Eating
There are many reasons why you might want to try structured eating. Maybe you’re trying to lose weight, or you’re struggling to eat enough healthy foods throughout the day. Maybe you have a health condition that requires you to be mindful of what you eat and when you eat it. Or maybe you just want to feel more in control of your eating habits. Whatever your reason, structured eating can offer some serious benefits.
You’ll Eat More Nutritious Foods
When you have a plan for what you’re going to eat ahead of time, you’re less likely to make unhealthy impulsive decisions about food. That’s because you’ve already take the time to consider what foods will best help you reach your goals, whether that’s losing weight, getting more energy, or improving your overall health.
You’ll Eat Less
If weight loss is your goal, structured eating can help you achieve it. That’s because when you make a plan ahead of time for what you’ll eat, you’re less likely to overeat or make poor food choices out of hunger or boredom. Plus, studies have shown that people who eat breakfast regularly tend to weigh less than those who don’t. So if starting your day with a nutritious meal is part of your structured eating plan, you may find yourself shedding some serious pounds over time.
Typically when eating a wide variety of foods, people tend to over eat. Especially when eating foods that you like. Structured eating eliminates some of the variety making it harder to overeat.
You’ll Reduce Your Risk of Developing Diabetes
Research has shown that people who eat breakfast every day have a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes than those who don’t eat breakfast or only eat breakfast sometimes. And those who eat their largest meal in the morning instead of at night also have a lower risk of developing diabetes. So if either of these is part of your structured eating plan, know that you’re doing something good for your health in the long-run.
You’ll Boost Your Energy Levels
Another benefit of structured eating is that it can give you more energy throughout the day. That’s because when you stick to a regular routine, your body gets used to digesting food at certain times and starts running more efficiently as a result. This can lead to steady energy levels instead of the ups and downs that come with sporadic eating habits.
Remove Foods That Do Not Work For You
Even if its considered a ‘healthy’ food, it still may not be a food that your body is able to process adequately. Eliminating excess variety of foods allows you to identify foods that your body is able to process. Additionally, if a food is not working for you, its easier to identify which food is not working because there are not as many variable.
Easy To Follow
A structured eating plan is often eating the same foods at the same time every day. There is no need to track or log your food.
Conclusion: Whether your goal is weight loss, better nutrition, or simply stabilizing your energy levels, structured eating could be the answer. This approach to food and nutrition emphasizes routine and planning ahead, which can lead to some serious benefits like improved digestion and increased weight loss over time. So if you’re looking for a way to improve your relationship with food, give structured eating a try!
Physiques Gym professional coaches prefer structured eating, specifically for people at the beginning of their fitness journey and individuals on contest prep. If followed correctly, you have complete control over your food and nutritional intake. Each plan is created specifically for the individual, based on their goals, age, sex, lifestyle and health needs. As you progress with your plan, we work with you to adjust your plan as needed. As your body changes, your nutritional needs change as well.
Online or in person, we will work with you to create a plan that helps you reach your goals. What are you waiting for? Schedule an assessment to start changing your habits today!
Physiques gym Personal Trainer and Fitness Coach