Sand in the Tank

Picture this---

You buy a new car decked out with everything--- supercharged V10 engine, custom paint job, 22 inch rims, anything you could imagine-- However, you fuel it with the cheapest water- based gasoline, rarely change the oil, and rag it out like a Nascar driver.You might as well put sand in the tank! It doesn't take you long to realize that your vehicle is nothing more than a glorified hunk of metal that performs like John Goodman in a 400 meter dash.

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My point is that no matter how great your genetics are, if you eat crap you'll never perform at the highest level!

I've learned first hand that NUTRITION is the most important aspect of any type of workout program. For years, I worked out like a machine and ate like crap. I remember eating hot pockets, pizza rolls, and fast foot like it was going out of style. There was one point where I ate the McDonald's dollar menu every night for one month straight!!! I remember thinking--- well I'm working out and running--- I can eat whatever I want. WRONG! I got stronger--- I also got fatter-- I look back at pictures from a couple years ago and realize I had a pretty good pot belly and love handles. Of course, at the time it was ok-- seeing as how I was an offensive lineman--- we're all fat right? LOL

It was about my last semester of my junior year in college when I learned how to eat right. I drastically saw a huge increase in stamina, strength, and athletic performance.

However,It wasn't until after my football career ended that I really got to utilize my nutrition knowledge to change my body image.





Captain Love Handles

What's the first step towards changing ones poor eating habits?

I'm a firm believer in taking baby steps instead of attempting to make an immediate drastic change. Sudden changes usually end in dramatic failure!! So let's start simple:

1. Try cutting out fast food and start preparing your own meals. Try to limit fried foods and start substituting for non-breaded options. Pack your lunch for work, instead of eating out everyday.
   
2. Substitute regular sodas with diet sodas--- I know it's asking too much to quit cold turkey, but more power to you if you can. Simple rule of thumb--- if you want to lose 1-2 lbs a week cut back on your normal calorie intake by 500 calories per day. That's as simple as cutting out your two 20 oz. sugary sodas per day!!!
3. Eat 6-8 smaller meals a day instead of 3 big meals. Spreading out your calories throughout the day will increase your metabolism and prevent hunger!
4. Front load your calories--- Breakfast like a King, Lunch like a Prince, Dinner like a Pauper. Simply eat more calories when your more active, eat less calories when you are less active.
5. Transform from White to Wheat!--- Look at it this way white bread converts quicker to sugar in the body than wheat bread--- guess what unburned sugar turns to fat! Check out the Glycemic Index

Well that's all for now...more nutrition tips to come!