Here’s tip number 2 for the 10 Weight loss Fitness Tips in 10 days. Yep. I changed it after kicking it off. I got to thinking last night and the tips are more than just weight loss. You could lose a bunch of weight but still be unfit. Sooooo, for those of you that don’t know me, we’re changing directions a little. For those of you that do, it should be no surprise. Don’t worry. If dropping a few pounds is your goal, the tips will still help towards that. Just keep reading and you’ll see.
With that said, as you know, starvation won’t get you in shape. So don’t believe the hype of restricting food and eating as little rabbit food as possible. It is NOT the way to get yourself fit. You must ensure your body has the necessary calories and nutrition it needs to get to tip-top shape.
Tip 2. Snack, Snack, Snack
Most of your life, you may have been told not to snack between meals, because it will “ruin your dinner”. However, this is another fitness-defying concept. I know it may seem a bit contradictory, but EATING will actually help you lose weight and get fit.
As I mentioned yesterday, eating first thing in the morning is very, VERY, important. It kicks off your metabolism by getting it going after a long night’s fasting. But if you wait all the way until lunch to eat something, your metabolism will head back into a slump (not where you need it). Snacking not only stokes metabolism, but it also allows for your body to have the nutrition it needs for repairs from your workouts. You ARE exercising, right?
Always, always, always have a game plan. Before you leave your home in the morning, put together two or three snacks to take with you. If you don’t plan ahead, and you get hungry mid-morning or mid-afternoon, you’ll end up running for the vending machine, which is only full of junk food. I take it a step further than just planning by getting mine together the night before in case I am rushed in the morning.
Shoot for snacking about mid-way between your normal 3 meals. I consume one item of protein and one item of carbohydrate every 2-3 hours (including my meals). Typically, I’ll eat breakfast around 7:00am, snack at 10:00am, lunch at 12:00, snack at 3:00pm, snack at 5:00pm, dinner at 7:30pm. Of course, I have to work those around any workouts I may be doing.
Here are a few ideas:
Idea 1: one apple and 2 sticks of low-fat string cheese
Idea 2: one orange and two boiled eggs (these pack nicely in a small plastic bowl)
Idea 3: one cup of unsalted trail mix (minus the m&m’s)
If you want to permanently change the way you look and FEEL, then you have to permanently change the way you live. There are no shortcuts.
See you tomorrow for tip number 3!
Marcus
About: 10 Fitness Tips in 10 Days is designed for me to share my experiences with you to help you lose weight (if necessary), get into shape and improve your fitness (always necessary). I am, by no means, an expert, nutritionist, or doctor. Instead, I am simply another normal person, such as yourself, that didn’t want to figure it out with trial/error on my own. Instead, I gathered great information from successful athletes, coaches and other professionals. Always consult your doctor before starting any exercise program or making any changes to your diet.
Speedy Lizard 