Tips for Eating Well

Many people, and I used to be included in this group, do not realize that the key to becoming fit, losing weight and being healthy is mainly what you eat not what you do.  Yes, exercise is important for many reasons, but if you aren't eating well exercise alone won't change your body.  If you are very overweight, yes, adding exercise alone will help you to shed some unwanted pounds but to really change your body you must eat well!  Remember that when I say the word diet I am referring to your long term consumption of healthy foods, not a short term calorie restriction or fad-diet.  Here are my tips for changing your eating habits and helping you on your way to a fitter, healthier you!

Tip #1. Eat Whole Foods

Whole foods only have one ingredient.  Eggs. Chicken. Spinach. Almonds. Oatmeal. Make the majority of foods in your diet whole foods.

Tip #2. Cut Back on Sugar (Waaay Back!)

Sugar is in so many foods: pasta sauce, granola bars, breakfast cereal, and crackers to name a few.  Not to mention all the chocolate, cookies, ice cream and or other treats we eat on a regular basis. However if you follow Tip #1 you will automatically eliminate a ton of sugar from your diet!  Also, don't forget that foods like bread (unless it's high quality whole grain bread, I suggest Food for Life sprouted grain bread- they even have gluten free!), pasta, crackers, white rice, white potatoes and even many fruits are just the same as eating table sugar and will convert to fat if not immediately used as energy.  If you have a sweet tooth I recommend low glycemic fruits such as apples or berries that will take longer to digest and keep you feeling full longer and keep you from crashing.

Tip #3 Spice it Up

Let's face it,  plain chicken, rice, and broccoli can be a little boring.  Adding flavor to your food will make it more enjoyable and have you going back for more!  Turmeric, garlic, cinnamon, and ginger are all full of health benefits beyond taste and are wonderful choices.  Scope out the seasoning isle, but beware of ingredients, many pre-made seasoning blends contain sugar.  Plus, many vegetables are full of flavor and great with many dishes. Try red onion, bell peppers, kale, zucchini, or radishes! 

Tip #4 Feed the Whole Family

I often hear other parents complain that they don't want to have to make two separate meals for themselves and their children.  My answer?  Don't!  Why wouldn't you want to teach your children how to nourish their bodies with healthy foods?  They don't need that mac-n-cheese any more than you do.  Feed your whole family well and when your children grow up they won't have to break the cycle of poor eating habits!

Tip #5 Have a Treat Meal

No one should eliminate all the things they love completely out of their diet.  We just wouldn't stick to it long term.  Do you love gooey cheesy lasagna?  Pie?  Donuts?  Double cheeseburgers and fries?  Yeah, me too!  So, treat yourself!  A good guideline is one treat meal (aka cheat meal, or free meal) per week.  The big catch here?  Plan it!  If you know that on Friday night you get to have pizza and a coke you'll be motivated to eat well all week long so you can enjoy that meal, guilt free!

Skill PT offers custom nutrition programs with all personal training packages to help you learn the skills to fuel your body, and take control of your health and fitness!  Check out more about me and Skill PT on our website, SkillPT.com or text or call me today for your FREE consultation! 801-201-2165

Tips for Fitting Fitness in your Life

I have been thinking a lot about making time for health and fitness.  You are busy, I know!  I am very busy all the time!  I have three kids, volunteer in my kids school twice a week, volunteer as the Social Media Manager for TrailandUltraRuning.com, and am now working as a personal trainer as well! I find my days to be jam packed and have little time for many things that I used to have in my life.  Here are a few of my tips for fitting exercise into your busy life!

Tip #1. What can you Eliminate? 

For me that means (mostly) no television.  I used to watch TV every day and now I only do on a rare occasion, or while multitasking (i.e. on the stair mill or while washing dishes!).  Also eliminated? An immaculate house.  But if we're being 100% honest, my house was never really that spotless before, either.  What are some things you can leave out in order to make health and fitness a priority?  Can you cut back or eliminate TV?  What about social media? Anything else?

Tip #2.  Schedule it in!

We all have things on the calendar that we only fit into our lives because we put it into our hectic schedules.  Sit down and look at your schedule.  Where can you schedule yourself in? Early morning?  Lunch break?  After the kids are in bed? I like to plan my workout week each weekend so I know exactly when I'll be going to the gym each day. Make yourself a priority and add yourself to the calendar!

Tip #3.  Include the Family

Is it unrealistic to be away from your children at certain times of day?  Or maybe you have a baby at home.  Include the kids in your workout!  You can include the kids in your home workout and there are many activities that children can come along for; hiking, walking, and biking to name a few.  And don't be afraid of the gym!  Many gyms have daycare facilities and some even allow babes in arms to accompany their parents!  Don't be afraid to shop around if you're looking for a gym.  Find one that fits your needs. 

Tip #4. Be Realistic.

Set realistic goals for yourself.  Don't plan to go from not working out at all to working out for an hour six days a week!  You will be setting yourself up for failure.  Start with attainable goals, such as taking a 20 minute walk three days a week.  After you get into the routine of exercising it's easier to gradually add more variety, more often!

Tip #5.  Hire a Personal Trainer

You saw this one coming, right?  Having someone to lay out a plan for you, help you with proper form (and nutrition!) and help you with attainable goals is priceless!  And let's not forget accountability!  We're all much more likely to do something if we've a.) paid for it b.) have told someone we would c.) know someone is waiting on us.  I can help you set attainable goals and reach them! 

Mostly importantly, remember that you are important!  You are setting an example for your children, your nieces and nephews. Make yourself a priority!

Learn more about me and Skill PT by visiting our website SkillPT.com. Call or text me today for your FREE consultation! 801-201-2165