Whether you’ve just started a fitness program or are thinking about starting, chances are you’ve asked yourself, “What should I be eating?”
Regardless of your fitness experience level, it’s a great time to revisit some fundamental nutrition principles:
1. Embrace progress, not perfection. Striving for perfection can often hinder progress. Instead, focus on making gradual improvements with each meal. Save the indulgences for after a challenging workout, when your body can use the extra calories and carbs for recovery.
2. Timing matters less than you think. While nutrient timing can be beneficial for those looking to fine-tune, the majority of us can benefit most from consuming the right foods in the right amounts throughout the day. Your metabolism can’t tell the difference between an apple eaten at 8 a.m. and one eaten at 8 p.m. Master the basics first.
3. Understanding macros. While macronutrients (or macros) play a role in nutrition, tracking them can be overwhelming. Keep it simple. Each meal should include lean protein, veggies, minimally processed carbs and healthy fats. Men typically require two servings of each; one each for women.
4. A practical approach. Rather than weighing and measuring your food, use a simpler approach based on palm-sized servings of protein; fist-sized portions of veggies; cupped handfuls of carbs; and thumb-sized servings of healthy fats. Adjust based on your response to hunger, satisfaction levels and overall results.
Remember, simplicity is key in both exercise and nutrition. Avoid getting caught up in perfection or complexity.
What’s your biggest nutrition challenge? Feel free to share with me, and I’d be happy to help you find the solution.