It’s Not a Diet, It’s a Lifestyle

What Should I Eat?

One of the most common questions I get is, “What should I eat?” I am sure you have asked that question many times and you may still be trying to figure it out. Nutrition is one of the most talked about topics on social media and it seems like everyone is an expert (or so they think). With so many different opinions and methodologies, it can be SO confusing. You are probably asking yourself if you should jump on the Keto bandwagon or maybe try Intermittent Fasting or Paleo. You may have even tried all 3 of these “diets” and found yourself right back where you started. Then there are all of the supplements out there claiming to help reduce body fat, the “skinny” teas, the shakes, the juice cleanses; the list goes on and on. Well, guess what? You don’t need to pick a “diet” and you definitely do not need any of those crazy teas, shakes or pills to reach your goal.

Keto? Intermittent Fasting?

Let’s talk about Keto, Atkins, South Beach, Intermittent Fasting, etc. While there are some things I agree with in each of these diets (key word is “some”), the question I ask back to someone who says, “should I do Keto”, or any other diet for that matter is, “Do you think you can sustain that way of eating for the rest of your life”? Think about that for a second. Do you really think it’s possible to eat less then 20 carbs per day for the rest of your life? Do you believe you can go 16 hours per day without eating, forever? I am guessing you are thinking that this is not realistic, and it’s NOT. Holding yourself to these crazy restrictions is only setting yourself up for failure long term. Can these diets help you lose weight? Absolutely. But remember, any type of change you make to your diet that restricts calories or removes unhealthy food, is going to make you lose weight.

Macros and Keeping it Simple

So what works? At the highest level, having the proper macronutrient balance, eating unprocessed, whole foods and being in a calorie deficit (if you are trying to lose weight) is the very basis. Things do get a bit more scientific as you get closer to your goal and when you are eating to perform (in the gym, for a race, sports, etc.). Everyone will have different calorie needs and different macronutrient requirements based on their age, weight, resting metabolic rate, number of hours they are training per day, and their overall goals. Timing your carbohydrates around your workout will lead to enhanced performance, more energy and muscle preservation. Eating enough protein will fuel muscle growth and provide you with essential amino acids. Eating the right kind and the right amount of fat will help you feel full longer, reduce inflammation and fuel those longer workouts. At the end of the day, a slow and balanced approach to reach your goals will always supersede anything that claims to be fast and easy.

You Can’t “Out Train” a Bad Diet

How you fuel your body is even more important than the work you put in at the gym. You can’t out exercise a bad diet and training for an hour isn’t going to erase the 2 glasses of wine you are drinking every night or those 3 slices of pizza. Are you still able to enjoy yourself? Of course! We are talking about a lifestyle here. If you consistently make the right food choices, that one cupcake isn’t going to ruin your progress. BUT, if that one cupcake per week, turns into 3 or 4 or 5, that is the problem. You are allowed to eat what you enjoy, just in moderation! We only have one body and we should want to feed it with food that is going to make us feel good and live long and healthy lives!

New Fat Loss Program!!

With all of that said, we are excited to be launching a new program in the coming weeks, Fat Loss 30; or FL30 for short! FL 30 is a 30-day, fat loss program, designed to change your body through a personalized nutrition plan and certified instructor lead group classes. There are no gimmicks or magic pills. We use science backed methods to approach your meal plan and your training. Your nutrition coach will guide you through the entire process, teaching you how to fuel your body for the next 30 days and beyond. Having a one on one Coach for 30 days will complete your circle of training. We will be hosting a mini nutrition seminar to celebrate the start of the program and we will have special prices for our current members. With limited spots available, current members will receive priority. Let us guide you to a healthier version of you! Stay tuned for the official launch.