The difficult part of being a personal trainer is helping clients manage their diet. Whether it’s meal planning, reading labels, grocery shopping or eating habits, once people get a handle on their diet, the results are amazing. Getting there, however, is another story.

There are two things that are overemphasized that I have issue with – food variety and taste.

I believe variety is important in diet. Things get boring if you’re always eating the same food. Furthermore, the nutrient content is limited if you’re always eating the same meals.

Food should also taste good – most of the time. If you’re constantly forcing yourself to eat things you don’t like, then that diet is doomed.

With that being said, I think variety can be encouraged too much. The majority of people don’t need more than a few ideas for breakfast and lunch. When it comes to dinner, most people can get by with five to 10 “go-to meals.” With this approach, it really does make meal planning, preparation and shopping very easy.

This go-to approach avoids the boredom factor and allows for a wide range of meals to meet your nutrition needs.

Some people eat for pleasure. They get stimulated and feel better. I love a good meal, too, but I’m not constantly striving to get “a fix” from my next plate.

Food is fuel. It’s what makes our bodies function. It prevents disease, provides energy and improves our overall health.

In our fast-paced world, not all meals are going to satisfy you mentally or physically.

Look at food as something that’s going to keep you healthy. Sometimes you must eat the right things and not worry so much about taste.

High-quality food fills you up and satisfies you throughout the day. If you are eating regularly and making good choices, you won’t feel the need to splurge on food that tastes great but is loaded with calories and has minimal nutritional value.

This simple approach of “go-to meals” is what works for most people. Doing this leads to a healthier and more energetic you