24
Sep 10
As many of you may know I have a body building background. It’s not something that I’d do again, but I enjoyed the preparation for body building contests when I was competing. The day of the show was another story. To me, it seems like such a silly ‘sport’ now.
The best part of the whole process was the fact that I really got to know my body and how it reacts to food and exercise.
My training hasn’t really changed a ton since my bodybuilding days. Well, my cardio has changed because now I do HIIT (high intensity interval training) and back then I did more of the long, slow boring cardio because that was more popular at the time, although now proven to be less effective at fat burning.
The most effective tool I had back then for fat loss was this:
There was no internet or online software programs to log food at that time. A pen and a notebook sufficed. I had a Nutrition Almanac and a food scale, much like this one:
I logged every morsel of food that went into my mouth (and I logged my workouts too). I weighed and measured everything I ate to the point that I still can eyeball something and be pretty darn close to the calorie count for it.
Now this is pretty meticulous and not the kind of thing that would be a lifelong habit. But, I have to tell you that this was THE BEST way to learn about food. I got to know the calorie and nutrient count of every thing I ate. I had a super clean diet and I made sure I knew all about the foods I ate.
Why am I telling you this?
I DON’T recommend getting ready for a bodybuilding or fitness contest. (I have my opinions about these things now even though I don’t regret my experiences with them then.) But I do recommend you keep a food log or journal. If you make a deal with yourself that you’ll write down everything you eat, you’re more likely to keep your diet clean and on track.
And technology has changed since my bodybuilding days that makes this process a whole lot easier. There are ways to figure out calorie and nutrient count that doesn’t require math (whoop whoop! says the math challenged such as myself!).
I’ve done a lot of research on this online nutrition programming and I’ve come up with a solution for you. My Shawna 24/7 clients are currently using the software and so far, they’re reporting great results in the two weeks that we’ve been doing the program. One client says, “I’m learning a ton about food!” . Another says. “Did you sense my relief when I saw the nutrition program we’re using?”
Stay tuned for this program that I’ll have available you so that you can get on top of your nutrition. It will make your fat loss efficient and easy. You’ll learn a ton about nutrition and you’ll get a report card for every meal plan to ensure that you’re meeting your nutritional needs.
Sometimes you may think that you’re doing a stellar job on your nutrition and find out otherwise once you start to take a closer look. This program will guide you and give you the info you need to help you meet your goals.
I want to provide everyday solutions for your fitness and fat loss goals. I feel it’s my job to do this for you and I’d be remiss if I knew there were something out there that would help you, but I didn’t make you aware of it.
More news on this program coming up Monday!
My passion is teaching people how to work fitness into their daily lifestyle in order to improve their quality of life. Let’s work together to help you reach your fitness goals!
Just to let you know: Livestrong Daily Plate has a way to keep your food log online and it has downloadable app that costs I think $2.99 on- time only (no monthly charges or anything). I have it on my blackberry and I can track anything I eat no matter where I am from my cell phone. There are free apps that do this too, but I like the Livestrong one because it has a HUGE database of foods, many by brand-name even. 😉 ~kim~
PS Shawna- WOW those muscles! Why would anyone laugh at those pics?! I’m jealous! To be honest you look great now (better I think) because too much muscle can make a person look like a statue or something. That was great that you learned so much while competing though. That made it all worthwhile and got you where you are today, able to help us get to our fitness goals. Thanks! ~kim~
@Kim
Thanks for the compliment, it’s funny how in the pictures a bodybuilder can look so huge and muscular when in fact they aren’t. I’m actually only 114.5 lbs here. It’s all an illusion, really the whole sport is all about lighting and looks, not about health and performance and energy…but that’s a topic for another day. Anyway, thank you!
@Kim,
Yep, you’re right, there are a ton of programs out there that can be helpful. I wanted to share the one that I felt to be the best since it assesses daily intake and gives a letter grade for each nutrient your body needs. You get an actual report card so that you’re ensuring a healthy diet.
BUT, the best program is the one that someone follows! So I’m all for finding the one that resonates with you. No program is good if it’s not being utilized! Find the best one for you. I have some of my clients that actually prefer a notebook, pen and calculator (and data base or book of foods)…whatever floats your boat!
Why so angry in the photos? Oh wait, I know. You aren’t eating anything!!!
@Lesley,
So funny! I guess you sort of know how I was feeling now that you’re paying so close attention to your nutrition! But…you’re looking awesome!
I like the tracking program and the grades. I am more of a pen/paper person, so it does take a bit of effort to complete (I am only on day 2). I do expect it to get easier once your favorite foods are in the system and recipies. So far, I am doing well.
Do you have any opinions on food plans such as paleo diet. A friend swears by it and recommends this. But, i have concerns re long term health?
OK, so now I understand that you don’t recommend the contests…I understand it. I always felt that if there was a contest out there, it would motivate me more to push myself to a specific date, but I’ve been there, done that with another popular program gosh 11 years ao…, then crashed the day after…
Now, I just want to build msucle and get tight and toned again, lose the fat. It’s SO much harder at 47, than when I was younger…
@Laura: It can be a little harder at 47, but it’s possible and no contest is as good a reason that to just feel your best for you…