I’ve now seen or heard this quote at least three times in the past week, and I think it warrants some further examination, something must of been telling me to blog about it. I mean, it is pretty straightforward, but sometimes people don’t hammer home the concept as they should.
What you find is that no matter how hard you workout, no matter how many hours you put into your exercise routines, no matter how many pushup’s, sit-up’s, core work you do, you will not get the results if you don’t EAT right. It’s a pretty easy concept to really get, but we are human after all aren’t we? The human body is built upon what you put in it. What you drink the foods you eat. I myself, am constantly battling the food side of my fitness ventures. It’s a constant struggle.
Think about it. Simple I think. If you put in the bad stuff, your body is going to react to it in a bad way. Your body isn’t going to simply say, ok, just because your working out hard, we’ll let it slide. We’ll make up for it with the calories you are burning. In the end? The bad will catch up to you. You can only go so far on the cardio portion of your workout’s to keep you going along. At some point that bubble will break. You need proper foods in order to sustain your energy, There is no extra 1/2 hour here or 1/2 hour there to compensate.
So what can we do? What are some ways to help keep ourselves from fallen into our bad habits, our old ways of eating and drinking what we really know isn’t going to take us to that next level of fitness? Why continue to put in those empty calories that give us zero health benefits, zero gains in reaching the health/fitness levels we are reaching for. Approach this with lifestyle change in mind. Not some short term quick fix to getting results. Only when you change your lifestyle will this work.
- general cooking skills –> Most people typically don’t eat right because they simply can’t make the foods they need to. I’m the same. I’ve done better but still have a long ways to go to really start taking control
- Think first –> Ok, simple. Think about what you are putting into your mouth each and every time. Think about the value it is providing you. If it doesn’t, why eat or drink it? Look for the alternative where ever you are. There is something that you can choose that will be the lesser of two evils.
- Variety of Color –> If you want to keep full, feel satisfied after eating, give your body the proper nutrition, eat the colorful stuff. Hell if I can do it, anyone can. I have never been one for eating vegetables or fruits as much as I do now. With some proper cooking and variety of spices you can really turn some of them into very tasty add-on’s to your meals.
- Lean meats –> fish, chicken, beef
- Protein –> Don’t need to go insanely crazy with the amount of protein. Use this as a gauge, 50 /35/15 for percentages Carbs/Protein/Fat.
- Learn to use your kitchen utensils –> Alright one of the biggest complaints I got from the wife about my general change in nutrition was that if I wanted to eat it, I had to learn how to actually cut it up, clean it, and package it for the fridge, etc. So you have to take an active role in preparation, not only in cooking it. Make it a family affair.
- Just say NO –> If you pass a fast food restaurant, if you see that ice cream store, if you see that chocolate bar just say no. We all do have our ‘vices’ that you know what, you can keep if you are already in control. But not till then. Eating/Drinking habits are no different than any other bad habit. It takes time to get over it to the point where your body/mind stop wanting it.
- Eat Often –> Eat every 2 –3 hours and smaller portions. By keeping a level stream of healthy nutrition in your system, you’ll find that your energy is higher. Don’t skip meals. Don’t overeat. Reduces cravings and constant hunger if you eat more smaller portions. It does work. Don’t eat just to eat. Have purpose, its your fuel and energy for the day. Just like a car, you put in the low grade stuff, you're car will suffer over time. No different than the body.
So, eat clean. You don’t need to follow your calorie counts. You don’t need to write down everything you eat. It might help in the beginning, but once you have taken control of your eating and drinking habits, it won’t matter. You’ll instinctively know when you are doing something you shouldn’t. You are what you eat and there is no doubting that statement. You cannot and will not out train the bad diet that you may be following now. That extra 1/2 hour running won’t cut it. Be a conscious eater/drinker. If necessary try a meal replacement. One such one is Shakeology. You wouldn't’ believe what is inside this and how healthy it is for you. Go over here and take a look at what makes this up and what it would cost you if you tried to make it yourself. It really does taste good and will keep you satisfied to the next meal. There is no other like it out there. Want more information, let me know.
Lead by example and you’ll see yourself getting better results out of your workouts. I am always looking for healthy alternatives. If you have any favorites pass them along by dropping me a note here or a comment. I would love to try something new or add into my pretty standard routine. Variety helps keep you interested in what you are doing. Food is no different than your workout’s.
Any questions, contact me, I’m always looking for feedback.