trainwithstanimal

I think we need to discuss nutrition a little more. Just when I think this seems to be common sense a client whose stated goal is body fat reduction tells me of a fast food binge. Or they haven’t eaten all day and want to work out.

A few suggestions:

1) Eat small meals more often. Every 2.5 to 3 hours eat something.

2) Whenever possible eat real foods, whole grains, raw vegetables and fruits.

3) Ladies, eat protein please. Guys seldom have this problem. About one third of your diet should be protein, lean meats, turkey, chicken, fish. There are plant-based proteins but they need to be taken in combination with other proteins. Animal based proteins contain the essential amino acids your body requires, i.e. the ones your body can’t manufacture. Plant-based proteins don’t contain all the essential amino acids.

4) You need unsaturated fats every day. For a long time fats were public enemy number one, but you need them every day for essential functions. Olive oil, peanut butter, almonds avocado are all good sources.

5) The past few years have seen carbs become the latest food enemy in the eyes of the media and marketers. It isn’t true. You need about half your diet from carbs. The source of those carbs should come from vegetable and fruit sources not fast foods or chips or pop or……

6) Cheat. We have to enjoy life so in moderation, cheat. To me that means on the weekend I can have a meal out with dessert and not feel bad about it. I’ll be back in the gym tomorrow. I’ll be eating steel cut oatmeal and eggs for breakfast. On and on it goes.