Diet... Right By Desiree Summers
I don’t claim to be an expert. I’m just another woman trying to figure out what to eat, when to eat, this diet, that diet, this carb, no carb, okay carb…enough about carbs! The language of nutrition can get really confusing. But from articles I’ve read and good habits that I’ve practiced, I’ve learned how to balance nutrition and fitness in a way that’s right for me. I’m going to offer you a glance into some basic routines I’ve adopted to encourage you to examine what your body needs to achieve your ultimate physical condition.
For me, nutrition is 80 percent of the battle to reaching my ultimate fitness level. If you eat more calories than you burn, you won’t lose weight.* And since toning and building muscle can in fact give you the body you want, without a pound lost or gained, jumping on the scale for satisfaction isn’t always the best way to measure your achievements. My advice to you is to throw out the scale, get a measuring tape or an old trusted pair of jeans that you wish still fit, and put them out where you can see them. Whatever motivates you, get it out and stare your goal in the face.
Second, I’ve found that six small meals a day keep my mood, mind, body, and energy in check. Fueling your body throughout the day keeps your metabolism at the right level, so if you’re one that skips meals—especially breakfast—don’t! I try to think of my body as a machine, knowing what it needs in order for it to work properly. Healthy foods high in protein, low in fat, and that contain good carbohydrates are perfect sources of energy for your bones, muscles, and body. And—I tell this to everyone, because its an obvious reality in life that we might as well address—it’s okay to splurge and have that piece of double fudge chocolate cake every now in then…just don’t eat the whole cake! Portion control is key in any healthy lifestyle.
The third piece of advice is to drink more water. Drinking water is essential while exercising to keep your body hydrated and energized. Drinking water can even keep your stomach feeling fuller! If you don’t get enough water in your body, you won’t reap the benefits. Start small, but start now. Coffee has water in it—you’re a step closer! But nothing can beat the no-calorie, refreshing taste of an ice-cold glass of pure H2O!
Remember, it took time for you to get out of shape, so it will take a good amount of time to get it back on target. But take it a step at a time, focus on today, and change your life for the better with good habits like healthy eating, regular exercise, and balance. Your body is a vessel—treat it right.
*Your body burns calories throughout the day, during activity and at rest. For more information, research BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate) and RMR (Resting Metabolic Rate).
If you need more information you can always email me directly at desiree@vesselfitness.com, I always love hearing from other women just like you.
Desiree Summers is the host and co-creator of the television show Vessel Fitness on iLife TV.
For me, nutrition is 80 percent of the battle to reaching my ultimate fitness level. If you eat more calories than you burn, you won’t lose weight.* And since toning and building muscle can in fact give you the body you want, without a pound lost or gained, jumping on the scale for satisfaction isn’t always the best way to measure your achievements. My advice to you is to throw out the scale, get a measuring tape or an old trusted pair of jeans that you wish still fit, and put them out where you can see them. Whatever motivates you, get it out and stare your goal in the face.
Second, I’ve found that six small meals a day keep my mood, mind, body, and energy in check. Fueling your body throughout the day keeps your metabolism at the right level, so if you’re one that skips meals—especially breakfast—don’t! I try to think of my body as a machine, knowing what it needs in order for it to work properly. Healthy foods high in protein, low in fat, and that contain good carbohydrates are perfect sources of energy for your bones, muscles, and body. And—I tell this to everyone, because its an obvious reality in life that we might as well address—it’s okay to splurge and have that piece of double fudge chocolate cake every now in then…just don’t eat the whole cake! Portion control is key in any healthy lifestyle.
The third piece of advice is to drink more water. Drinking water is essential while exercising to keep your body hydrated and energized. Drinking water can even keep your stomach feeling fuller! If you don’t get enough water in your body, you won’t reap the benefits. Start small, but start now. Coffee has water in it—you’re a step closer! But nothing can beat the no-calorie, refreshing taste of an ice-cold glass of pure H2O!
Remember, it took time for you to get out of shape, so it will take a good amount of time to get it back on target. But take it a step at a time, focus on today, and change your life for the better with good habits like healthy eating, regular exercise, and balance. Your body is a vessel—treat it right.
*Your body burns calories throughout the day, during activity and at rest. For more information, research BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate) and RMR (Resting Metabolic Rate).
If you need more information you can always email me directly at desiree@vesselfitness.com, I always love hearing from other women just like you.
Desiree Summers is the host and co-creator of the television show Vessel Fitness on iLife TV.