Redefine beautiful!

Friday, May 27, 2011

What is Better?

realistic?  yes, all it takes is the development of new habits.

Intensity or moderation.  Longer or shorter duration.  More protein less carbs.  Less protein more carbs.  No fat.  No sugar.  No dairy.  No meat.  No life.

Regarding shorter vs. longer workouts, I am of the mind to say any workout is better than none.  Efficient programming is better than duration.  If you are pinched for time, do a harder, quicker workout targeting the major muscle groups (chest, lats, glutes, hamstrings, quads and abs) is great.  When you need to be a bit more careful due to injuries or limitations, go a bit longer and moderate your movement.

Regarding carbs, proteins and fats:  be careful not to delude yourself into thinking one type of diet is the answer to your weight issues.  ("I'm going to eat vegan now because I hear it is the best for you and I want to lose weight.")  The key is to eat as organic, natural and whole as possible and to eat LESS than you are eating now.  Most everyone I train says, "I really don't eat that much."  Well, they are eating more than their body needs if they are overweight.  If you want to weigh less, you must eat less even if you exercise regularly.  Even if you exercise a whole lot!  If you are overweight, it doesn't matter what else you do, you have to eat less.  I have now said that three times, so I hope it sinks in.  I have to repeat this to myself for about a month before I truly get it.

I realize there are some conditions that make it very difficult to metabolize calories correctly and one can still be over weight while consuming minimal calories.  But those cases are not common and most likely you do not have a medical condition that makes you gain weight even though you hardly eat.  (If you truly think you have a medical condition, consult with your physician to get the correct tests.)

Once again, the tried and true habits that work:

WRITE IT ALL DOWN
NO EXCUSES:  WORKOUT!

4 comments:

  1. Thank you for reminding people that overweight=eating more than you need. In my community, which has a very high incidence of overweight and obesity, thin people are labeled "lucky." How do you politely tell others that they, too, could be "lucky" if they cut down on their food consumption?

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  2. Right on Debra! I agree with Cherie's comment, I have a friend who is overweight and has said on more than one occasion, how do you stay so thin? Yes, I have my height in my favor but first of all I don't eat processed foods or drink soda. (she does) And I exercise almost every day. (she doesn't) Irritating!!

    Since my daughter became vegan we have adjusted our eating habits. We are eating way less animal products and I can tell. My body has changed, I just feel more fit. The jeans I have on today are very loose and it feels great! :)

    Linda

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  3. Just playing catch-up here. I couldn't agree with you more! I am actually currently trying to find some smaller plates for my family because I have the most horrible habit of filling everyone's plate until you can't see the surface! Yes, we eat organic. Yes, I make almost everything from scratch. But if we're eating twice as much as we should be, it hardly makes a difference!
    Thanks for the reminder. Have a great weekend!!

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  4. You're so right. The tried and true are the answer.

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