Sunday, March 30, 2008

Energy, muscle, chiseled, health!

These keywords should make you ask either, "What the h*ll is this person talking about" or "Shouldn't we be talking about nutrition at some point".

During our program we'll need to focus on proper nutrition. I'm not going to provide a full diet plan but here are some important elements.

  • 1-1.5 g of protein per pound of body weight
  • drink water -- this will help keep you hydrated, assist with metabolism, energy levels, and is important when you're taking a supplement such as creatine
  • reduce your soda intake -- even your diet sodas. I find that I crave sweet foods when I drink diet soda
  • don't drop all carbs. Switch to whole wheat grains and don't eat complex carbs after 8pm. Never eat complex carbs (spaghetti, bread, rice, potatoes, etc..) before bed
  • get fish into your diet -- you'll enjoy the variety of foods, plus it will give you healthy fats and Omega-3.
  • eat at least 4-5 meals a day -- realistic portion sizes is the key. remember a fist size is equivalent to the amount of steak that you should have at one sitting; getting your veggies in every meal
  • never skip breakfast -- this is critical for your blood sugar and energy levels throughout the day
  • give yourself one cheat day with one cheat meal -- 7 days a week * 5 meals a day = 35 meals...focus on having 32 solid meals and give yourself one cheat meal with two healthier choices of a "fast-food" meal such as pizza. For pizza you could make it yourself with whole wheat crust, some chicken with your peporonni, more veggies, and a tad less cheese.