Nutrition is a vital component of a healthy lifestyle, but with so much conflicting information out there, it can be challenging to know what to eat. That’s where Equalution comes in. This Australian-based company specializes in personalized nutrition, creating customized meal plans based on client’s unique needs and goals. We recently sat down with the CEO of Equalution, Amal Wakim, to learn more about the benefits of personalized nutrition and how Myprotein products can complement their meal plans.
Can you explain how Equalution’s meal plans work?
Equalution is a health-tech app specialising in science-based, customised nutrition plans to help users achieve their health goals. With a significant focus on the mindset and by coupling science with behavioural change, users are equipped with tools to become educated on the nutritional requirements of their bodies and goals, resulting in life-long results.
The business does not contribute to the traditional and harmful nature of the weight loss industry. Instead, Equalution prides itself on its mantra that you can transform body and mind while enjoying the foods you love. Our community of over 20,0000 Equalutioners are a true testament to just that. With a non-restrictive approach, Equalution’s 7,000-recipe database consists of delicious and enjoyable meals such as burgers, pizzas, ice cream, and more, traditionally deemed off-limits on a weight-loss journey. Equalution says you can when others say you can’t.
Using the data collected upon onboarding a user, the business’ technology and science-based formula derive each user's calorie and macronutrient goals and food preferences from producing a fully personalised meal plan. The technology allows nutrition plans to be catered to all dietary needs and requirements, so no one needs to miss out! Each user is assigned a health professional (nutritionist or dietitian) to support and keep them accountable throughout their journey.
Can you tell us a bit about how Equalution got started?
Much like many Aussies, we had tried every fad diet under the sun; cutting carbs, paleo, keto, meal replacement shakes, intermittent fasting - you name it, we've tried it. However, we realised that the only effective method was a balanced approach to nutrition. After losing 50kgs, collectively, we were inspired to share our stories and successes with others. It was through our own mind and body transformations that inspired the start of Equalution. We were on a quest to find a solution that allowed us to achieve and maintain results while enjoying life. As we became educated on nutrition, we discovered that you don't need to restrict yourself to reach your health goals, and upon realisation and success of my transformation, we knew we needed to share this with the world.
In 2016, we decided to kick fad diets to the curb and share our message with the rest of the world. Before Equalution, we worked full-time at Google Australia in the marketing department. We decided to quit our jobs and book a one-way flight to Silicon Valley, the world's tech hub, knowing full well that we wanted to take our manual business (at the time) and give it its very own transformation into the digital space.
Fast forward six years later, Equalution has been listed as one of Deloitte's fastest-growing technology companies, attracting hundreds of thousands of followers worldwide on social media and servicing tens of thousands of users over the years.
What are some of the benefits that clients can expect to see from following an Equalution meal plan?
We pride ourselves on our mantra that you can eat the foods you love and achieve life-long results, both for the body and mind. Our community of Equalutioners are a true testament to just that.
Our science-based formula, along with a detailed questionnaire upon starting, determines their overall calorie and macro (protein, carb and fat) intake goals and food preferences. Our team of dietitians and nutritionists (known as our coaches) use this data to create a customised meal plan for the client that will meet all of their needs - including tailored meal plans to suit individual dietary requirements and needs.
Our meal plans reflect how the body recognises food - not as good or bad, but instead for their macronutrients (protein, carb and fat). As a result, Equalution not only provides clients with real, sustainable results but also helps build and maintain a positive relationship with food by removing those arbitrary ‘good or bad’ labels and facilitating balanced nutrition.
Another considerable aspect of Equalution’s service is the coach's support. They stand alongside their clients throughout their journey, with weekly check-ins, as well as other message support Monday-Friday should the client require it, all via the app.
How can Myprotein products complement an Equalution meal plan?
Both Equalution and MyProtein recognise the need to consider your lifestyle, activity level and habits when it comes to determining the best approach to nutrition. If you’re a highly active person, hitting the gym multiple times per week and lifting heavy regularly, you’re likely to need more calories than a sedentary person, and often more protein too. This can support your workout performance, speed up recovery, and help you boost your metabolism and build lean muscle. While the Equalution meal plans can help you achieve this by allocating high-protein meals in your suggested plan, MyProtein’s products can also help you meet your individual needs for protein and other nutrients. They’re designed to contain minimal ingredients, so you can elevate your intake of certain nutrients (like protein) without needing to increase your carbs, fats, sugars and so on in order to do so. For example, the Impact Whey Protein Isolate blend contains less than 1 g of carbs per serving, and no sugars or fats at all, with a huge 23 g of protein per serving. This means you can cram in the additional protein that you need (depending on your individual lifestyle and activity level) without upping your carbs and fats at the same time. It’s a tailored, personalised approach to nutrition and health that is incredibly effective in helping you make your goals a reality. What advice do you have for people who are struggling to find a diet that works for them? There is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to your diet and health - in fact, this way of thinking often holds people back from achieving their individual goals. We recognise the importance of using a personalised, individual approach to nutrition, acknowledging everyone’s preferences, goals, requirements and bodies are unique. Finding a program that is considers your personal circumstances, lifestyle, health status and aims in order to provide you with the most effective meal plans, supplements and advice designed to help you get there is key.
Our articles should be used for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended to be taken as medical advice. If you're concerned, consult a health professional before taking dietary supplements or introducing any major changes to your diet.
