Nutrition is your Secret Weapon to the "Gun Show".

FIT, FABULOUS, AND FIERCE

   After a decade of setting that infamous New Year resolution of getting back into shape and fitting back into those skinny jeans, you have decided that 2011 is “THE YEAR” (again) that you will accomplish your goals.  Are you putting the time, sweat, and energy in the gym but not seeing results?  Many active people don't take into account the significance nutrition plays in improving performance, enhancing recovery, reducing down time from injuries and illness, and getting those results that you are seeking once and for all.  Join me on a four day journey of exploring 4 Nutrition Guidelines to take in account when it comes to living a healthy lifestyle.  My much better half William Meyer inspired me to make a series out of this Blog so I hope to challenge you within the upcoming days.

                                                      

1) Nutrition is your Secret    Weapon to "The Gun Show"

  Sorry readers you can’t put one hour of hard work in the gym and swing by McDonalds on the way home every night in hopes that the “Super Sizer” and Large Milkshake will trim that waistline, and tone that bootaaay .   The best way to eat donuts is to only eat the center part. It is just not worth it!!  Ask yourself if you bought a new Mercedes, would you fill it up with 87 Octane or 93 Super Premium Gasoline?  The finest gasoline will make your car run better and result in less mechanical problems. The same goes for quality nutrition and your body. Fueling your body with high quality nutrition provides you with a foundation to achieve optimal energy levels, improve muscle recovery, minimize your risk of illness (cold, flu, infection), and  reach personal goals in the gym and out. Here's a start on what I define as quality nutrition.       Keep in mind if you struggle with pronouncing the ingredients in something.... you probably shouldn't eat it.

•Fresh Produce (Fruits and Vegetables) - Eat 6-10 servings per day.

•Whole Grain Carbohydrates - Oatmeal, 100% Whole Grain Cereal, Sweet Potatoes, Whole Wheat pasta, Brown Rice, 100% Whole Wheat Bread.

•Healthy Fats - Oils- Olive, Canola, Sunflower, and Safflower, Nuts (Brazil, Almonds, Cashews, Walnuts, Sunflower Seeds, Natural Peanut Butter (i.e. SmartBalance, Almond Butter), Low Fat Salad Dressings.

•Lean Protein/Meat - choose from the following cuts of meat to lower your risk of heart disease and maintain a healthy performance weight- Chicken - preferably skinless white meat baked, grilled, or broiled- Beef - 93-96% extra lean ground meat, Filet, Flank, Eye of Round, or Sirloin- Fish - any fish baked, grilled, or broiled (Tuna, Salmon, Trout, and Halibut are best)- Pork - tenderloin or Center Cut Pork Chops- Turkey - Extra Lean Ground turkey or skinless white meat baked, grilled, or broiled- Deli Meats - Lean Roast Beef, Ham, or Turkey- Protein Powders - Whey or Casein Proteins (Muscle Milk Collegiate)- Wild Game - Venison (Deer), Buffalo or Bison- Egg Whites or Egg Beaters- Skim or Low Fat (1%) Milk- Lowfat Cottage Cheese- Vegetarian Hot Dogs, Sausage Patties, Burgers (i.e. Morningstar Farms)

*Challenge of the Day:  Make a list out of your favorite foods that were mentioned above and hit up your closest grocery store.  Stop the search and battle for the closest parking spots and park in the spot furthest away from the store and walk; you could burn up to 100 extra calories.  Remove the wheels from your grocery cart and use two baskets to store your food in.  Bicep curl the baskets and when they get too heavy to curl, you know that your trip is over. Never eat more than you can lift.  Watch for tomorrow’s number two’s Fit Fabulous, and Fierce post.   Your adventure begins today. 

Nutrition Fact of the Day: It Takes 3500 Calories To Make A Pound Of Fat.

"Don't Dig your Grave with your own Knife and Fork"