To Eat, Or Not To Eat?

To eat or not to eat…that is the question! Or rather, that’s the question Heather asked ActivewearUSA Magazine readers this month in her featured article, "Am I Really Hungry?"

We’ve* been lucky to have Heather on-hand to dish out fitness advice on the regular---how many members took advantage of the complimentary fitness consultations she's offered in the past, or heard her speak on panels at the various charity events she’s hosted?

(*Everyone at Pilates Platinum, including all of our members from all 4 studios!)

If you’ve been missing out, fear not!! 

Thanks to the growing popularity of fitness and wellness websites and blogs, (Yay pilatesplatinum.blogspot.com!!) trainer tips and tricks, and health and wellness advice from Heather and fitness ambassadors all over the country, are available for everyone at just a click of a button.

Click on over to Activewear USA and enjoy their latest and greatest article called, “Am I Really Hungry?”

Heather shares, “Knowing about how our body works will help up make the right decision when it comes to what and how much to eat before and after workouts.”

Everyone is unique. Every body is different.

Learn what your “magic number” is, and stay on track!

Allergies-Wheat

If you have noticed in some of the past posts there is a common similarity to them.  The posts have pin pointed wheat as a bad guy.  There is lots of research lately pointing to wheat as being a huge problem in the american diet.  Something that has turned into a staple, is what many people believe to be looked at as a desert...meaning it shouldn't be in your diet, if not at all.

For most people we do not feel a specific reaction to wheat or other common allergies.  If you think about it though doesn't it make sense that things a lot of people are allergic too probably aren't good for anyone's body. (common allergies such as: wheat, dairy and nuts to name a few).  

Here is a quick look at what wheat does to the body "Lets assume that we start with a normal digestive tract (which in itself is unusual). Than we over-consume wheat which contributes to bacterial or fungal dysbiosis. This results in a heightened intestinal immune response with degradation of the intestinal lining or leaky gut syndrome. This is followed by pancreatic dysfunction (insulin and digestive enzyme deficiency) and a susceptibility to parasitic infection followed by an inability to absorb micro-nutrients ultimately leading to degraded health, vitality and even chronic sickness and disease." Source

Even if it is for a few days, try taking wheat and its sisters out of your diet.  Pay close attention to how you feel, both mentally and physically.  Maybe wheat is something your body doesn't need either!

Whole30

Yes, lets talk about diets...not that whole existence these days seems to be overly populated by diets.  (Let me rephrase if you are looking for a diet to go on it can be overwhelming to weed through all the different ones and then there are those that just don't care and even those people know more than they want to know about certain diet names).

The one that seems to be the most talked about in the fitness world is the Paleo diet aka Caveman diet.  Yes go eat like a caveman, its the way we were intended to eat...(its a little more complex then that).  Basically think of yourself living 2.5 million years ago and figure out what to eat!  To adapt this to our reality it simply means eat a diet full of fish, grass-fed pasture raised meats, vegetables, fruit, fungi, roots and nuts.  DO NOT eat grains, legumes, dairy, salt, refined sugar and processed oils.  Can seem a little overwhelming right?!?

Thats where Whole30 comes into action.  It is a transformation based on the same scientific research as the paleo diet that lasts 30 days.  Its goal is, "Whole9’s original program designed to change your life in 30 days. Think of it as a short-term nutritional reset, designed to help you restore a healthy metabolism, heal your digestive tract, calm systemic inflammation and put an end to unhealthy cravings, habits, and relationships with food. Since 2009, thousands of people have used our program as a jump-start to changing the way they eat for the rest of their lives."


Source

Simply speaking all you have to do is stick to whole foods.  Shop in the fresh produce isle and the butcher shop!

There is a huge following recently with Whole30 and free information on their website.

My favorite thing is that they have available a shopping list...pretty fool proof if you ask me!

The likeness of the Whole30 is that they aren't shoving down your throat that this is the way you should eat for the rest of your life.  There is understanding that you will want to have some SAD cheats, but following it for at least 30 days is a guarantee that your life will change...for the better!