Fitness Cliques- The Diet Groupies

I have to admit it..my brain thinks differently than others. When I want to know more about  a subject, such as fitness and nutrition, it involves three things: interest in the topic, a passion to learn everything I can about it, and then sharing my knowledge with others- like my clients, family and friends.

Hence the nutrition degree, plethora of fitness certifications and years of practicing what I preach. I strive to give and be the best with my work!

Trouble brews sometimes when fitness cliques interfere with my job of getting the real information out to my clients… One clique in particular just gives me a very uncomfortable rash in a place that’s hard to scratch- sarcasm implied here. It’s the diet groupies.

You know who they are. They are always on the latest diet, looking for a quick solution to lose the unwanted weight they’ve gained, and have generally lost weight on some stupid diet but gained it all back because they aren’t addressing the real issue at hand..no exercise and too big a spoonful in the mouth. Listen to me, please, diet is a four letter word.

I have never been, never will and will never tell my clients, family members or friends to go on a diet! It is a temporary solution to mask a deeper unresolved problem of poor nutritional habits. Eating is necessary, healthy and should be done frequently throughout the day. Additionally, you need carbs (no they aren’t an enemy, rather a very important source of fuel to feed your muscle and brain tissue), fats (in moderation and good sources) and protein to be balanced.

Your bodies need a constant, steady supply of fuel to support basic functions  like breathing, circulating, sleeping, brushing your teeth, using the toilet and getting in your car. Guess what? If you exercise, play sports or have a fairly active job, you’re going to need more fuel to support it. Trust me, if you don’t eat the right amount of calories you will suffer from lethargy, lack of concentration and poor performance with exercise and daily activities. Why the hell would you want to do that?

What about the alternative solution? You know the one that I, the fitness industry and every other knowledgeable professional will tell you..put down your fork, control your portions and eat to support you. BTW you’ll need plenty of nutrient dense foods. Sorry, you have to eat vegetables and fruit. Oh yeah, and hold the simple things like white flour and sugar, crappy things like trans fats and hydrogenated oils, too much alcohol or anything artificial or you can’t pronounce in the food label (unless it’s a foreign label).

It’s quite a simple process, although any diet groupie will suggest otherwise. I’ve heard them all: low carb, high protein, fruitarian, raw foods, macrobiotic, low fat, pill-popping, super low calorie and fasting diets….plus many more! They all have their slogans, but they are all crap. Unless you are not a human being you will need a sound eating plan that includes proper percentages of carbs, fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals and possibly some accessory nutrients (think glucosamine).

How do you know what you need? I know, ask a professional like me. Please run from a trainer, friend, family member, or any other person for that matter, that tries to sell you on a diet program (you can actually grade them here).

Also, pills, potions and calories that are less than 1200 for a woman or 1500 for a man are completely unacceptable. Run to the hills, bury your head in your pillow or just tell them to buzz off if they suggest otherwise.

I’m a passionate person who loves her work. I’m also just as passionate about people who screw with my work, provide false information to my enthusiasts or try to sell them on something that isn’t a lifelong solution. Temporary is fine when it comes to living conditions, transportation or in-laws (wink, wink). However, it doesn’t apply to dieting or any other form of exercise.

Groupies generally want one thing to meet their idol/obsession. Whether it’s weight loss, rock stars, artists or entertainers it’s all the same. You may get what you want one time, but does that keep you satisfied for the rest of your life? Hell, no!

Be the individual who doesn’t follow the clique- change your stars and become the idol with the groupies. Lose weight by following the standards set forth by the experts who have studied nutrition, weight loss, exercise and all things  that support it. People like me, and all the others who walk the talk, live the life and understand what you need to make your weight loss goals permanent.

Let’s make our own clique- the permanent weight loss group. Wait, it already exists, it’s called the health and fitness industry. Are you ready to follow our advice yet?

Passionately- Amy

PS- the real solution to your dietary issues exists here http://www.dietgrader.com No, BS! Straight up what you need nutrition with a report card to boot.

PPS- It’s so important I’m offering a FREE one week trial! Use it!!

Beware Of This Trans Fat Substitute

By now hopefully everyone has eliminated all sources of trans fats from their diets and are making  active efforts to read food labels for ingredients that list hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils and putting them back onto the shelves where they belong.  It may also interest you to know that there is a new substitue ingredient in town that is just as bad for you.  GASP!  Look at your labels and if you see something called interesterified oildon’t buy it.  It has the same negative effects of a trans fat, which can lower your HDL (good cholesterol) and raise your blood sugar.  Neither contribute to good health. 

Heed the warning and tell everyone you know to watch out for this dirty little food substitute.