A common theme in many diet plans is a structured introduction phase where for a short period of time the restrictions upon the food choices available are quite stringent and the results that can be expected are often exceptional. An obvious example is Dr Atkins introductory phase where it is not uncommon to see a loss of 10% of total target weightloss in 14 days.

Whilst the results are superb the downfall of the strict introductory phase is that it is probably not maintainable for any great length of time due to boredom and monotony in food choices. Eating out is a headache and you will likely be eating meals significantly different to the rest of your family. However this does not detract from the efficacy of a well structured kickstart to your diet, really getting things moving in the right direction and seeing some quick changes, which invariably builds confidence and a desire to continue seeing positive outcomes from your dietary diligence.

What I propose is for 2 weeks, at the beginning of your diet or after a period of excess for example the post holiday period you follow a strict diet of mostly animal products and vegetables to really get things moving. The foods to focus on would include any meat, fish, fowl or game, eggs, unpasteurised cheeses and all veggies, supplemented with animal fats such as organic butter and heavy cream and coconut oil.

Whilst on paper this sounds quite bland and uninspiring you can quite easily go the whole 2 weeks without ever eating the same meal twice and the changes you are seeing in your body will make it all worthwhile. The beauty of such a basic approach is in the simplicity – there is no argument about what to do, its meat + vegetables. By keeping it simple you will not get overwhelmed on what superbly healthy meal to cook tomorrow to the point you never make a decision and opt in desperation for a pizza.

Aside from the simplicity the major benefit is the introduction to cooking meals, cold meat and salad will get boring quickly. Whilst it is not essential or realistic to cook every single meal from scratch the majority of your meals should be your own handiwork. Batch cooking and saving for another day make life easier, you can get to the point where you cook about 4 times a week and that is all 21 meals looked after however initially you will probably have to spend a little more time than usual in the kitchen.

After the 2 weeks is over you should already be set in to focusing your meals on protein + veggies which is essential for long term weight loss success, now with the addition of fruits, nuts, seeds, organic yoghurt, roots and tubers you will have built a diet plan with plenty of choice, and excitement whilst being extremely healthy and conducive to weight loss.

Remember:

• Meat, fish, fowl and game
• eggs
• Unpasteurised cheeses
• Green veggies
• Animal fats (butter, heavy cream)
• Coconut oil