If you’re like the “average” American, it’s probably the latter. How sad…

Remember the old axiom, “Failure to plan is planning to fail”? It’s the same way with your goals and dreams for effective fat loss. So what can you do?

First, let me [...]]]> How many times have you pondered that question? 100 times? 1000?

If you’re like the “average” American, it’s probably the latter. How sad…

Remember the old axiom, “Failure to plan is planning to fail”? It’s the same way with your goals and dreams for effective fat loss. So what can you do?

First, let me tell you what NOT to do.

1. Believe Jared (from the Subway ads) and think that a low-fat diet is going to get you where you want to be in terms of lean and sexy. Ever.
2. Believe that you can eat out several nights per week and still maintain, or obtain, a lean and sexy physique. Sorry…
3. Pay much attention to the USDA Pyramid. Gigantic waste of time and effort.
   

   Man, talk about misguiding info...

4. Follow a “diet.” Haven’t you heard? Diets don’t work. Change and improve your life style and you change your life.

So what does work? Well, let’s keep this nice and simple:

Strive to include one of each of the macro-nutrients (protein, carb, fat) at each of your meals.

Do your best to eat 4 to 6 times per day…small, frequent meals.

Healthy proteins are lean beef, chicken, turkey, fish, eggs, cheese, cottage cheese, protein powder and so on. (We’ll call this Group #1) A portion size of this food group is about the size of a deck of cards.

Starchy carbs are sprouted breads (like Ezekiel), brown rice, beans, oatmeal, quinoa, amaranth, winter squash (like acorn), pasta, sweet potatoes and so on. (Group #2) A portion size of this group is about the size of your fist.

Fibrous carbs are vegetables and fruits. (Group #3) A portion size of this group is again about the size of your fist.

Healthy fats are avocados, nuts, olive oil, real butter, cold water fish, etc. (Group #4) A portion size of this group is about the size of a golf ball.

Try to include all 4 groups in two of your 4 to 6 daily meals. Doesn’t really matter what time of day you eat them. The other 2 to 4 meals should only contain foods from group Groups #1, 3 & 4.

Is that simple enough?

Now…what are YOU going to eat?

Steve

During the last day of the seminar we were given the “secrets” to a healthy eating regimen and suffice [...]]]> I attended a seminar several years ago hosted by a very famous, very tall, motivational speaker who later played himself in the Jack Black film “Shallow Hal”. In the film, Jack called him “Banana Hands.” Anyway….

During the last day of the seminar we were given the “secrets” to a healthy eating regimen and suffice to say, protein was portrayed as the evil scourge of mankind.

I swear...I never knew!

Here’s my advice: Be EXTREMELY wary of any eating plan that informs you to strictly limit the protein you eat … or the fat … or the carbohydrates. In case you hadn’t figured it out yet, your body needs ALL of these macronutrients. You need the right kind.

In this segment I’ll briefly discuss the importance of protein.

Each and every meal you consume should be built around a healthy source of protein. Protein helps to build, repair, and replace the cells of your body. It is vital for a strong immune system – and it boosts your metabolism and helps preserve muscle when you are burning fat.

If you eat meat and dairy (which I HIGHLY recommend), choose products (including eggs, yogurt, cheese, and milk), if you can get them, from animals raised on their natural diet: grass-fed beef, bison, lamb, wild game, and free-range poultry. You should also eat wild – not farm-raised – fish that is known to be free of mercury (such as sardines and wild Alaskan salmon).

Nuts and beans are also excellent sources of protein. And if you use a protein powder, choose one WITHOUT artificial sweeteners.

I heartily encourage you to make it one of your health goals from now on to base all your meals around your healthy protein sources – and to choose protein sources that are as close as possible to the design God gave them and intended.

Steve
Your Prograde Pro