Little Bites of Nutrition - Week 1

[I worked with a bootcamp class and each week I provided tips and information in the area of nutrition to go along with the exercise we were doing. ]

Growing in my health and fitness has been a lifelong journey. I spent most of my years fairly sick and did not consider myself athletic at all. When I was younger I was active, but by the time I was in high school my health had taken a big hit. In my early 20’s I had accumulated a number of diagnoses. They included irritable bowel syndrome, arthritis, endometriosis, infertility, and polycystic ovary syndrome. When I think about it in those terms there really is no wonder why I didn’t have the energy to exercise. It wasn’t for lack of trying. I was especially concerned about the polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) because it predisposed me to diabetes, heart disease and cancer. Fun stuff before I was 30! But I am a learner. That is a great strength in me. I began to read and research on how to fight back. My journey has now been over 20 years long in learning so I won’t write it all out here. You can read more of my story on a previous post. I do have a passion for helping others find their way to energy, vitality and their optimal health. I will be doing brief weekly posts regarding what I have learned through personal experience and through my certification program as a Primal Health Coach.

 

The first truth I want to share is this: 80% of your body composition success is determined by how you eat.

 

The right kinds of exercise are important for your overall health and functional strength, but when it comes to weight loss or gaining muscle, 80% of your success is determined by what kind of fuel you are giving your body.

 

For years I had focused on the exercise part and had some success, but my energy levels were just sapped. I would want to go back to bed at 10 am and the “afternoon slump” was awful. Then about 6 years ago I switched my focus to real, unprocessed foods and the side effect was energy and I CRAVED movement. I had energy! My body began to heal and feel better so I wanted to move. I discovered that as I gave my body the fuel it needed, I had the energy to maintain the exercise I wanted to do! What a revelation! I was discovering the joy of moving my body and gaining strength.

 

Something you need to be aware of is that after vigorous exercise you will naturally want to eat more. Your brain is doing its job in making you want to replenish those calories. The key is to refuel with foods that will help you gain muscle and burn fat. I look forward to sharing tips on which foods lead you to that goal.