You Can’t Out-train a Bad Diet
We hear it all the time "you can't out train a bad diet" but what does that actually mean?
Simply running off the (whole) pizza you just ate or preemptively getting in a good workout before the Friday night happy hour . . . sounds like a good plan right? Unfortunately, your body doesn't work that way. You may have heard the saying, "you can't out train a bad diet" but let's dive into WHY this nutrition strategy DOES NOT set you up for success.
Calories are easy to consume, harder to burn!
The truth is, it's easy to consume a large number of calories quickly, especially when you eat processed foods., but it's hard to burn a large number of calories. More often than not this philosophy leaves us consuming far more calories than we are burning and keeps us from our goals.
the above mindset will only fuel yo-yo dieting and poor performance
Exercise increases appetite
Exercise stimulates hormones that tell our bodies to eat to replenish and recover. It's common for your body to crave carbs after a workout. Carbs (especially refined carbs) are great for quick energy. Your brain is triggered to tell you to replenish with these types of food! The problem with these food choices is that while they provide energy, they do not provide the proper nutrients that make you feel satiated. Are you starting to see how the cycle continues?!
Poor diet affects performance
If only that chart above is how your body worked (simplt calories in, calories out) . . . but the reality is that your body doesn't know to look for the "donut calories" when you go to HIIT class. You may be holding on to fat and unable to build muscle due to the way that you are fueling your body. All calories are NOT created equal and you may not be meeting your goals because the fuel you're eating is not what you need to support your workouts.
How should we be thinking about eating and working out instead?
If you are stuck in the eat whatever, train hard cycle here are a few tips to lead you closer to your goals.
Food is FUEL
Start to anchor the feeling you have when you consume nutrient dense foods. Notice your energy, your clarity, and how great your workouts are. Your body will thank you by dropping fat and building lean muscle!
Get a plan and make small changes
Sometimes we just don't know how to use food as fuel, that’s why our nutrition program exists! Having a road map of what to eat can help you feel better and break the cycle. Once you have a plan pick one or two things to change. We suggest starting with creating a breakfast that is in line with your goals. Starting your day off right will fuel you for your workouts and set the foundation for your nutrition each day!
Live that 80/20 lifestyle
Eating to fuel your life, fitness, and goals does NOT mean you can't enjoy those less favorable foods. It simply means that you let treat foods be treat foods and enjoy them on occasion. The LIFTOFF team teaches clients how to eat on point 80% of the time - making choices that fuel and replenish your life - while enjoying treats 20% of the time. You can get the results you want and have your wine and pizza night, we can show you how.
Need some help navigating your nutrition, but not sure how our one-on-one program works? Click the link below to sign up for a free consultation and talk to one of our certified nutrition coaches!