ABS Audio Newsletter: Linear vs Non-Linear Dieting
Issue 43: Two styles of dieting
ISSUE 43: Which dietary practice do you prefer?
Welcome to the 43rd issue of the ABS Audio Newsletter. In previous issues we discussed the general principles of dieting from a scientific perspective. Today we will go over practical design styles in which we can employ that fundamental knowledge and make progress. If you guessed linear vs non-linear dieting practices you’d be correct. What are these anyway?
Linear and nonlinear dieting are two different approaches to managing food intake for weight loss or other health-related goals. Here's a brief comparison:
Linear Dieting:
Definition: Linear dieting involves a consistent, unchanging approach to caloric intake or dietary habits. It often means eating the same number of calories every day or following the same dietary guidelines.
Advantages: Simplicity and predictability are the main advantages. It's easier to stick to a diet that doesn't change much day-to-day. It can also make the changes on the scale to be more predictable since intakes are very similar from day to day.
Disadvantages: It can also become monotonous, making it harder to stick to the diet long-term. It also may not be ideal for individuals that have different training demands on different days opposed to relatively similar training/athletic bouts.
Nonlinear Dieting:
Definition: Nonlinear dieting, often referred to as "calorie cycling" or "flexible dieting," involves varying your caloric intake or dietary habits on a regular basis. This can mean eating more calories on some days and fewer on others.
Advantages: It can also offer more variety, which might make it easier to maintain in the long term. Additionally, it may be more advantageous to someone with varying training demands and could allow for a touch more flexibility (on the weekend for example).
Disadvantages: It is more complex to plan and track data given more dynamic intakes. There's also a risk that the "higher calorie" days could turn into uncontrolled eating bouts and sabotage progress.
In summary, the choice between linear and nonlinear dieting depends on individual preferences, lifestyle, and goals. Some people find it easier to stick to a routine with linear dieting, while others prefer the flexibility and potential practical benefits of nonlinear dieting. It's always recommended to consult with a healthcare provider, dietitian, or reputable coach before starting any new diet, especially if you have specific health conditions or dietary needs.
The outline of our conversation:
1. General intro.
2. Linear Dieting.
3. Non-Linear Dieting.
4. What I advise/do.
5. My takeaways and motivational sendoff!
I greatly appreciate your viewership; catch you all in the comments. Stay tuned for the 44th issue next week!