As a CEO, you make critical decisions daily. You evaluate risk, reward, and balance in your business. The same logic applies to your health and nutrition.
One of the biggest mistakes I see high-performing men make is labelling foods as “good” or “bad.”
But here’s the truth: there are no bad foods. Only unbalanced diets.
Think about it:
- A burger isn’t bad. Eating burgers every day without considering calories, protein, or activity? That’s the problem.
- A salad isn’t inherently good if it’s drowning in creamy dressing or missing protein.
What matters is the overall structure of your diet:
- Are you eating in alignment with your energy needs?
- Are you hitting your protein targets to maintain muscle?
- Are you getting enough vitamins, fiber, and hydration to feel and perform at your peak?
Why Balance Matters
Diets that rely on extreme restriction, which means cutting out entire food groups or labelling foods as “off-limits”, rarely work long term.
They lead to:
Burnout in your diet, just like in your business.
Guilt cycles when you inevitably eat something “bad.”
Missed enjoyment, which makes the process unsustainable.
Instead, aim for balance and flexibility:
- 80% of the time, eat whole, nutrient-dense foods that fuel your body and brain.
- 20% of the time, enjoy what you love—whether it’s a glass of wine, a pizza night, or dessert with family.
Why This Approach Works
- Consistency Wins: Sustainable habits, not perfection, drive long-term fat loss and performance.
- No Guilt Eating: You stop beating yourself up for “slipping” because nothing is off-limits.
- Energy Optimised: A balanced diet keeps your focus sharp and energy steady, which is essential for high-stakes leadership.
Here’s your action steps:
- Stop looking for “perfect” foods.
- Start looking at your overall diet and ask: “Is this serving my goals while still letting me enjoy life?”
As always, I hope this helps?
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My name is Gav Gillibrand and I’m on a mission to help busy, tired & stressed C-Suite executive dads drop 20-30lbs in 12 Weeks, optimise performance & fall in love with their body 365 days of the year.
Here’s how I can help you:
2. Book a FREE 15min Body Transformation Strategy Call with me – pure value, no strings, just answers about your health & fitness.
