Working out but still not slimming down?
The right nutrition plan can put you back on track
Have you ever tired to build something? Whether it was a full-scale building or a popsicle-stick structure on the kitchen table, you know that you need the proper materials for it to come out right.
The same is true for your fitness quest. If you want to be successful building your body, you need to make sure you have the materials you need to ensure success. That means the right nutrition plan — customized specifically for you — and the will to execute it.
Why is controlling food intake so complicated? We know what everybody needs, right? So why not just package, distribute and ingest? The reality is that because all bodies aren’t the same, all food plans shouldn’t be the same. People have struggled for years to make nutrition a cookie-cutter scenario, and it just doesn’t work. The perfect vitamin, mineral and nutrient combination for you probably isn’t right for someone else. As we explained in an earlier column, expectations for fitness programs need to be individualized. That also goes for what we eat.
It isn’t always obvious what someone’s needs are. We have two clients who demonstrate this. One is a mid-50s gentleman who has been working with us for a long time; the other is a 20-something body-builder with huge muscle mass. If I were to show you photos of both men, you probably would guess that the younger guy has a faster metabolism and needs more calories. Not so. Their caloric needs are about the same.
People want to know why they try so hard and get it so wrong. Whether it’s diet foods delivered from a service, frozen foods at the grocery store, or meals packed with preservatives on the shelf, your efforts can fail if those foods — regardless of the calorie count — aren’t right for your body’s system.
So what are you to do? The key is to get a proper nutritional assessment to see what you need. It’s just not about the calories coming in, but where those calories are coming from. You begin that process by keeping a food log. The log serves as an assessment of where you are today so it can be used to plan where you need to go. And if you eventually decide to work with a professional, you'll have a history of your food intake that will jump-start that process.
If you're really serious about getting into shape and losing fat, you need educate yourself about the origins of the calories that are coming to your body. Are they from protein, carbohydrates or fats? What kinds of proteins, carbs and fats? Each have variations that can be good or bad. This isn’t easy stuff. It takes more than an article or a “diet” book to understand how nutrition works.
Whether you decide to learn on your own or ask for professional help, keep in mind that as complex as nutrition is, simple steps lead to big changes. And they are vital if you want to be successful in your fitness journey.
Do you need a nutritionist?
Are you ready to make some changes, but are not sure about the next steps or don’t have time to navigate through the information you need to educate yourself? Have you have tried multiple variations in your diet with little success? Have you been working with a personal trainer, but still aren’t slimming down? If the answer is yes to any of the statements above, it may be time to bring in a pro.
How do you pick a professional?
Not all nutritionists are the same. If you have been recently diagnosed with diabetes, for example, you would ask your doctor for a referral to someone qualified for that. If you need support in your efforts to shape up and work out, you should look for someone who understands both nutrition and exercise. Here are some questions to ask to make sure the person is right for you:
- Have you worked with people in my situation before?
- What were the results?
- Were they able to follow through with your program effectively? If not, why not?
- What is your process for assessing what I need to do?
Make sure you can be comfortable and honest with the person you select and that their process is in line with your expectations and what you are willing to do. If not, you need to find someone who understands where you want to go, and then make sure you can invest in their program so you will stick with it.
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Brent Steepe, a personal trainer since 1992, is CEO of Advanced Training Techniques Inc. in St. Clair Shores. Brent, a former bodybuilder and powerlifter, worked at a number of gyms before founding Advanced Training in 2006. He earned a bachelor of science in Exercise Science at Michigan State University, and holds a number of certifications in personal training, senior fitness, sports nutrition, and from the American Red Cross. An avid recreational enthusiast, Brent is vice president of the American Ultimate Disc League. For more information, visit www.traininyourhome.com, email Brent at bsteepe@traininyourhome.com or find him on Facebook or Twitter.
