This topic has come up this week in a few conversations, and I thought it was time to share my thoughts. We have all heard the term you are what you eat and you cannot out exercise a bad diet in the fitness world, but is it true? I have also heard I work out to eat what I want. So which is it you are what you eat or exercise takes care of a bad diet? I can say personally I have done both on hard training days you eat whatever you want because you earned it, and I have also followed strict nutrition. I know you have heard this before it is all about balance, and no you cannot out exercise a bad diet eventually you have to put yourself back on track to clean nutrition to see the results. There are two puzzles to look at here are diet and exercise enough on their own? The answer is no if you exercise you cannot reach your full potential with a bad diet and eating clean without exercise you do not build as much strength as you could with exercise. I have a pretty rigorous workout schedule with keeping up with both CrossFit and Yoga and if I eat like crap I feel like crap it does matter how much I train. With the holiday's coming up this is also a great topic because we all know we will indulge in some sort of treats whether it's candy, cookies, or just over eating until the point of sickness around the table with family. So what happens after we indulge? Do we continue to indulge until the holidays go away and then make it our New Year's resolutions to eat healthy? No you have your treats and then go back to your clean eating right after you indulge because it is a balance. Stick with what works for you on your own version of clean eating. I have mentioned that I follow a Paleo type diet my preference where I do not eat processed foods, dairy, or grains because I feel better and I notice a huge difference in the way I feel and my performance in life and in work outs. I have also recently added in beans for the fiber and balance it adds to my diet along with an occasional glass of wine and a cheat meal once a week if I feel the need followed by the book the 4-Hour Body. A great book to read it you have the opportunity that talks about weight loss and much more. Of course I cheat and I over indulge I am human, but it is what you do after that makes the difference. It is a lifestyle and a constant struggle, but it is all about being your best self for you and others. I hope this helps on understanding why both are important and gives you a place to go back to when you have your doubts. Enjoy the holiday season food is not a reward it is a nutrition do not let it control you control it you have a choice.
