The Fundamentals of Nutrition: A Simple Approach.
- Joseph Thirkhill
- Sep 18
- 4 min read
Updated: Sep 22
At The Fitness Collective, we know just how overwhelming and noisy nutrition advice can be. With so many trends, buzzwords, fad diets, conflicting advice, and the classic quick fixes that overpromise and underdeliver, it's easy to feel unsure of what actually works.
That’s why we keep things clear and grounded in two core principles that just make sense.
Nutrition should be simple.
Your diet should work for you.
In this guide, we’re stripping nutrition back to the basics. Sharing exactly what you need to know to fuel your body, support your training, and feel your best. No nonsense, no fads, just a clear, sustainable approach to real life and to feeling good day to day.
What is Nutrition, really?
In essence, nutrition is about giving your body the fuel it needs to function, feel strong and stay healthy. And the best way to start? Focus on whole foods, the kinds that are minimally processed, packed with nutrients and taste great when prepared right.
Foods you should aim to maximise in your diet.
Proteins Think fish, beef, chicken, eggs, tofu and more. Protein builds and repairs.
Complex carbs Like whole wheat bread, brown rice, oats, and buckwheat. These support energy and endurance.
Fibre From legumes (beans, lentils, chickpeas), apples, strawberries, and figs. Fibre keeps things moving and helps you feel full.
Healthy fats Extra virgin olive oil, peanut butter, salmon, mackerel. Fats aren’t the enemy - they’re essential.
Fresh herbs & spices Chilli flakes, coriander, dill… They can elevate taste and support digestion, immunity, and inflammation control.
And while we’re all about adding the good stuff in, we need to mention the foods to limit:
Refined sugars Sweets, fizzy drinks, etc.
Trans fats Like those found in margarine, doughnuts, fried food and commercially baked cakes.
Excess alcohol and salt No surprise here!
Why? Because a balanced, varied diet gives your body what it needs: energy, focus, recovery, and long-term resilience. Research studies back this up. Consistent, balanced whole-food eating patterns are proven to be linked with better brain function, reduced blood pressure, lower risk of heart disease, and more stable energy throughout the day.
Remember, it’s not about eating perfectly. It’s about eating well, consistently.
Aim to Stick With It 80% of the Time
Staying consistent is far more important than perfection. Forget “all or nothing.” It's not how we do things here.
Instead, we encourage you to apply the 80/20 rule. Aim to eat nourishing, whole foods about 80% of the time, and allow yourself flexibility (room for treats!) in the remaining 20%. This flexible approach keeps things realistic, balanced, and actually sustainable in the long term. No guilt. No crash diets. Just a steady, balanced rhythm that fits your lifestyle.
So Why Does It Still Feel So Complicated?
Social media. Full of misinformation. One minute, carbs are the enemy, the next it’s fats. Every label shouts “clean,” “fat-free,” or “high-protein”, but none of them actually tells you what’s right for you. No wonder people don't know where to start.
At The Fitness Collective, we reject food fear. We don’t demonise. We don’t obsess. We educate.
We believe in building simple guidelines that work, cut through the noise and meet you where you are each day in your lifestyle — not where someone else's Instagram reel thinks you should be!
Our Individualised Approach
Every member at The Fitness Collective begins with a nutrition consultation, designed to understand your goals, your lifestyle, and your current habits. From there, your TFC coach will guide you in building a results-focused plan that fits your real life.
Here’s what that includes:
1. Nutrition Insight
We look at what you’re currently eating, your routines and preferences so we can build from a place of understanding and knowledge.
2. Personalised Strategy Session
Whether your goal is fat loss, muscle development, sustained energy, or performance, we’ll create a life-fitting plan that supports it. For some, that means using body composition tools to estimate calories. For others, it’s about focusing on smart habits instead of tracking numbers.
Smarter snack choices.
Timing meals around workouts.
Getting more nutrition from your food, not less of it.
Creating easy, satisfying swaps for cravings.
Effective, personalised nutrition coaching grounded by progress, not perfection.
Final Thoughts: Keep It Simple, Keep It Yours.
Nutrition doesn’t need to be a minefield. You don’t have to eat perfectly. You don’t have to follow someone else’s rules. What you do need is a way of eating that supports your goals, your lifestyle, and feels sustainable long-term.
At our West Bridgford gym, we keep it simple. We empower you with the tools, education, and support to build a way of eating and a balanced nutrition plan that's just for you.
Check out our video below where Head Coach Joseph explores how the evolution of the food pyramid and how modern dietary models can better support the way you live, train, and feel day to day.
And if you're not already a member and you'd like to experience our unique, supportive approach to fitness and nutrition, come along for a free taster session of our Small Group Personal Training or Team Training Classes and see how we do things differently.
