One of the first questions I get asked as a trainer from new clients is, "what do I eat?" My answer (insert sarcasm), "FOOD!" Just kidding. Kind of.
Remember that food is fuel for your body and activity. It sustains you and gives you energy to do all the activities life has to offer. Don't make food the enemy or let it become and obsession.
Think about it this way. Your car requires gasoline to go. How far can you get with the wrong grade of gas or with none at all? You can't.
Your body is an amazing machine that requires proper nutrition to function at its peak performance. The best advice I can give you is that when you eat food in its most whole form, i.e. the way it came into the world/least processed, the better nutrition it will provide to your body.
Getting started on a path to better eating is not easy. I always recommend to not try to make drastic changes all at once. If your goal is to start eating breakfast, do that for 21 days and it will become a habit. If you go too long between meals, set a timer to remind you to eat a serving of almonds or have a cup of yogurt (preferably plain greek yogurt with your own fruit). It is about the habits that we create that will help us transform our eating longterm (lifestyle change).
As always, if you need individual help or coaching to make these changes, please reach out to me here through my blog or Facebook.
My favorite smoothie recipe:
Blend the following ingredients until smooth. I like to freeze the blueberries because they act as the "ice."
8 oz coconut water
1 tbsp organic, unrefined coconut oil
1 tbsp flax seeds
1/2 c strawberries
1/2 c blueberries
1 c kale
This recipe will give you a meal replacement (meals should ideally be between 300-400 calories, depending on your individual caloric needs).
When I think back about how I felt nearly 3 years ago, I get emotional. I was tired all the time (tired doesn't even BEGIN to describe the fatigue I endured). I got sick a lot. None of my clothes fit. I was uncomfortable. I was not "fat and happy." I was overweight and miserable.
Every day I have to make a conscious choice to move my body, choose foods that give my body the nutrition and fuel it needs and be kind to my mind.
I did a hard workout on Wednesday with my trainer (even trainers have trainers), and I was beating myself up for not being as "in-shape" as I thought I "should" be. And then I had a flashback to 3 years ago and remembering not being able to get into my 4x4 Jeep because I couldn't lift my bodyweight into the vehicle. I then smiled because I just did 25 minutes of 40/20 HIIT Training (circuit intervals with weights), something I never would have been able to do 3 years ago. I also looked in the mirror and reminded myself that I just ran a 15k 3 weeks ago. My body can do amazing things.
My point to all of this is you have to be kind to yourself. Don't compare your progress to anyone else's. There will be days you don't feel worthy. Just remember your WHY. WHY are you getting healthier? WHY are you exercising? WHY are you choosing more nutritious foods? Whatever your reasons, just take a minute, inhale, exhale and speak kindly to your body and your mind.
This is a tough journey. Probably the hardest thing I've ever done, and maybe that you'll ever do. But it is worth it. I believe in each and every one of you. Believe in yourself.
How can I help you reach your goals?
Yours in health,
Coach Steph xoxo
