I get a lot of comments and questions regarding nutrition. Most of them have to do with time. In other words, people feel they are too busy to eat 5 or 6 nutritious meals a day, whether their goal is to burn fat or build muscle. Another time factor is the preparation of these meals, especially when you factor in trying to get the proper macro and micro nutrients in each meal - protein, "good" fats, the "right" carbohydrates, enough vegetables, enough fruits, etc. People get very frustrated with all of this and end up taking shortcuts, such as eating only 2 or 3 meals a day. In addition, they have no idea if they are getting enough (or too much) of the vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, protein, etc. that they need. Then they don't understand why they aren't building muscle or losing fat. While training properly is extremely important, a lot of people who do so, don't make the gains they should because their nutritional program is out of wack. Here are some tips to help you overcome these nutrition obstacles and put you on the correct path toward your health and fitness goals. Eat 6 Meals A Day Meal Frequency (i.e., the number of meals you eat each day) could be the most important aspect of your nutrition program. If you do this right you will build muscle, burn fat, and with a proper resistance training program, be well on your way to achieving the body of your dreams. The thing is, most people know about it, yet few actually follow through with it and put it into action because of the reasons mentioned above. It takes motivation, persistence, planning, and a little bit of sacrifice. Sounds horrible, doesn't it? Don't worry, it's not. But as I've stated before, nothing worth achieving comes easy. Don't get me wrong, it is simple, it's just not easy. But it can be pretty painless, if you have the right mind set. Reason number two - eating six proper, nutritious meals a day takes work. It takes a time commitment, among other sacrifices. And it's not just the time it takes to make the meals, or the time to eat them. It also involves other aspects of your life. For example, socializing, going shopping, playing sports on the weekends, etc. If you eat six times a day, you need to eat every 2 or 3 hours, tops. What are you going to do, sit home all day every day so you can be near your food? Of course not. But you will need to plan ahead. This could mean shopping and then cooking most of your food once a week, putting each meal in a microwaveable container, and then carrying meals to work with you. You may need to invest in a high quality thermos (or two or three) and make your favorite protein shakes to take with you when you are going to be out and about for a while, or bringing some protein bars with you instead. This, more than anyplace else, is where supplementation is an absolute life saver. I don't know how I'd get proper nutrition day in and day out without supplements like meal replacement powders and protein powders such as Muscle Meals and Pro-Fusion by Muscle Link and Optimum Nutrition's Whey Protein. I know, eating right may not be easy, but it is necessary if you truly want to achieve your best body, and in the shortest amount of time possible. If you're like most people, you already eat breakfast, lunch and dinner. So, for starters, consider just adding two snacks to this, preferably a protein or meal replacement shake, or bar. My favorite bars, that recently one a contest in Men's Health (for nutrition and quality as well as taste) are Tri-O-Plex bars. You could also consider bringing certain foods with you for snacks, such as fruit, raw veggies (carrots, cauliflower, celery, broccoli and so on). Seeds and nuts like almonds and walnuts are excellent snacks while providing the healthy fats we all need. Cottage cheese and yogurt also make great snacks (preferebly the low fat variety, so that you keep your calories in check). I usually add a few pineapple slices (the natural juices variety, not syrup), to my cottage cheese. Plan your daily (or weekly) menus. Planning is a crucial part of success for any goal you want to achieve. Your nutrition plan is no different. Yes, it can be a real pain in the you know what to eat 5 or 6 times a day, but it's not impossible, and it's simply a part of the price you pay for a great, healthy body. In fact, don't even think of it as paying a price. Intead, think of how you'l be enjoying the benefits of being healthy and in shape. However, with these tips I've given you, it can become easier than you think. If you think planning your nutrition is paying a price, wait until you start having serious health problems from eating improperly and being overweight - heat disease, diabetes and the list goes on. Really, if you think it's difficult to be healthy and fit, try being fat and sick for a while! |
