Dieting
A Healthy Diet is a lifestyle
The Key to staying in shape whether competing or just for yourself is to eat healthy year round! It takes a combination of proper diet and exercise to lose weight and maintain. This doesn't mean every once in awhile you can't have cake; of course you can, but always in moderation.

    The hardest part I find about eating healthy for a competition is the social aspect. If you are invited to a cookout, ask if you can bring your own chicken to grill, or maybe they'll have some for you. Don't be afraid to eat before going out and don't worry about what others think. Besides, someone once told me, don't worry about not eating that piece of cake; sure they are all eating it, but look at their results. I was in the company of many overweight people. Again, it is ok in moderation but if you are about to step on stage your willpower needs to kick in. After the competition is over you can reward yourself for a job well done. Something else I have heard is "Why are you drinking a diet drink" and "Just eat it; it's not going to hurt you". My reply, "If I didn't drink the diet drinks, then I would need them" and "If I ate something every time someone told me that, I wouldn't be able to 'just eat it". They are right, it may not hurt me once, but I have to work to stay in shape and once everyday would mean a lot more work! 

    If you are eating out stay away from cream sauces and fried foods. Think "red-sauces" "green-veggies" "grilled" "roasted" "fresh". Most restaurants are accommodating to your needs, after all you drive their business. Ask to hold the butter, go light on the sauce or have it on the side. Most breakfast restaurants even have sugar free syrups and offer eggbeater substitutes. I know people that even order alcoholic beverages with diet sodas. Never be afraid to ask for it "Your Way". Maybe your healthy habits will rub off on others and they will find themselves wanting to be more healthy as well.

    If you have problems keeping up with your diet, buy a journal and jot down what you eat for a week. If you are feeling bored, sad, social or sick, jot that down beside what you eat at the time. I say this because what we eat is often a reflection of our mood or a social situation. When this is done you will have a better idea of how much you are really eating; when & why. Loosing weight should be a slow process. The slower it comes off, the more likely it'll stay off. Dieting is easiest when you learn about what you are eating. Don't be afraid to look at labels. Read up on magazines about Nutrients. I will provide you with my typical diet as well as with other helpful Nutritional information!

Back to Home