In my opinion the word "Diet" is what ultimately deters us from succeeding at something that is completely achievable. If we believe and are ready for a change, then this is exactly what will happen...change! Too many times many of us, including myself have fallen victim to fads, trends and creative ways to diet where we ultimately go back to our old ways and gain the weight back and sometimes even more! Why not change for lifestyle? I mean isn't this what the phrase "being healthy" is about...living a way of life where you can continue this path forever? Why do we only want to be healthy for a short period of time? Why do we force ourselves to eat foods we hate all because we think it will magically alter who we are? Over the last 6 years of exploring, experimenting and learning I have finally realized it's not as complicated as we all make it out to be.
The "switch" things up approach or "diet" is only to appease our mental state and not physical. Reality is energy is measured by calories or also known as Thermogenisis. Energy can't be created or destroyed, so it's pretty simple actually...if you are over eating calories for the amount of activity you are expending you will ultimately gain weight and store fat. This also applies in reverse. If you are eating fewer calories and exercising you will NOT gain and even loose fat! If you are eating just the right amount of calories to achieve a healthy lifestyle you desire you will either loose the extra weight or maintain the weight you have. After trying several "diets" myself and failed miserably, I no longer wanted to feel bad, depressed, depleted or make things harder on myself than it had to be. By having well balanced meals each day I feel so much better. I have energy, I am able to think clearly and can actually make it through and enjoy my workouts! This is why I love living the way I do...because I feel great doing it! So I ask you this what can you do differently so you can enjoy your "healthy lifestyle" and keep it forever?
As I prepare for my next competition this Saturday May 8th, I reflect back on all the changes, progress and dedication I have made since December. What I realized and what's most important to me is I am happy with who I have become, what I have learned and how I have become a stronger person inside. Of course preparing for a figure competition takes a lot of dedication, but what it does not require is drastic & crazy planning. If you life a "healthy lifestyle" all year long and are committed to a clean eating plan with exercise, then contest prep is just kicking things up a notch. It should not be about eating less than 1000 calories per day, 2-3hours of cardio and excessive weight training. This is why so many competitors go right back to their old ways when in the off season and gain extreme excess weight. Could it be because of the extreme use of the word "diet" or not learning about how just to be healthy? Next week does not begin my other life, it just continues as my life plan of being healthy. Being fit and healthy to me is eating clean, exercising and indulging without feeling guilty. Once you connect these dots is whey you can say I no longer diet...I choose to live a "healthy" life!
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