Nutrition Guidance: Ask the trainers

Hey Fitters,

I want to make something very clear to every one of you. Fitness is a process! No one's learning process is ever complete. Just go cruise around google and you'l find people like Mark Rippetoe and Dan John, two deeply respected men who have been in the fitness industry for decades sound in their principles, still deciding and discussing what's best for their athletes. Again, their principles are solid but their methods are always under question. Did you understand that? If these guys have been obsessed, successful and plain bad ass fitness professionals for decades and they are still evaluating themselves, how come you aren't? As you move through your goal achievement process allow yourself to challenge your method and consistently train your body because you love it, not because you hate it. This philosophy will make failing and succeeding both fun and productive it their own right.

In my line of work I deal with a lot of clients looking for general "FITNESS" and weight loss. A majority of these people are indeed searching for something far more important than just weight loss but I cover that in a different blog. But if we go back to the F.I.T. principle we always can circle back to the principle that food is the basis of all fitness has to offer. Clean eating is the only way to get that lifestyle change we all desire. Defining clean eating is the important piece in that equation. What does it mean to eat "clean"?




Ask the Trainers at HIAC: General Nutrition Tips

FAQ's
Do I need to cut out ALL processed food to be healthy?
Essentially the vague definition of healthy is being free of disease while perpetuating an immune system strong enough to fight off potential disease. This means that simple fact that you are not on prescription medication does not mean you are necessarily healthy. Processed foods and refined sugars have been proven to encourage inflammation and increase your risk of autoimmune issues and disease. The more you cut out the less likely you are to have setbacks in the future. That is important if you are at all concerned about having future setbacks.

Do I need to stick to a certain calorie count?
If I eat 2000 calories of donuts for a month my body will respond entirely different to 2000 calories of just lean meats and vegetables. Although that is an extreme example it's just a way to illustrate that food choice does matter! Losing weight is an issue of learning how and why fat is retained in the first place. It has alot more to do with excess sugar causing adipose tissue (body fat) to be created. Cut the sugar and eat food that will fuel good workouts and great sleep!


Do you really expect me to eat this way my whole life?
Yes.

 
In answering these questions, the rules of nutrition that revolve around the same few principles that have existed for eons differ only in the willingness of the person stick to them. How every goes about achieving that healthy eating lifestyle can change based on the needs and wants of the individual.  Make sure before you dive into any diet plan or meal plan ask yourself how much your are really willing to give to it and expect as much in return.

Good rules of thumb when deciding to endeavor into a clean eating lifestyle:
1. Ask yourself: Is this diet asking me to eat less and or eat well?
2. Stick to natural foods (meats & veg, nuts & seeds, some fruit, little starch, no sugar)
3. Do not restrict your body from fuel. A car goes much slower when its out of gas.
4. Consistently educate yourself. If you are not seeing the results you want to see, get a book or hire a trainer with a good track record of providing long term weight loss. I happen to know a great one ;)