19 Jul I am eating clean and working out hard, BUT…
**this blog was originally published on July 19, 2013 but was updated in December, 2017**
You are eating clean and working out, but…
Do you fall into this category… “I eat clean and workout, BUT I am not making progress”. If so, READ ON!
I get 100+ e-mails through my website daily. Many of them start with this sentence and I hear you. It can be SO FRUSTRATING when you feel like you are doing everything right but nothing is working.
WARNING- Do not read on unless you are OPEN to making changes 🙂 If you are not, you may get defensive. If you fall into that category this article is not for you! I take this stance: If what is WORKING for you keep doing it! You don’t need me. If it is NOT working for you and you are open to feedback and changing then lets get to it!
Let me ask you THESE things:
What is YOUR definition of “eating clean”?
When you say you are “eating clean”, what does that mean to you?
You see, “eating clean” means different things to different people. Lots of people have eating ‘healthy foods’ confused with ‘eating clean’. Lots of people are eating “healthy” foods like oatmeal, quinoa, 100% whole wheat bread, potatoes, corn, etc., but aren’t losing weight or getting toned like they would like to.
Here is my definition of eating clean: Eating unprocessed foods in the proper ratios and portion size. No fake, fat free, sugar free ingredients that I can’t pronounce that were made by scientists and chemists, NOT farmers. For example, your ‘healthy’ oatmeal with fruit for breakfast is NOT MY DEFINITION OF EATING CLEAN. That meal is all carbs and has no healthy fat or protein. It is very challenging to get lean starting the day with a meal almost completely comprised of carbohydrates. However, if you watch the portion, balance it with some healthy fat and some great quality protein then WHOALA! We are getting there 🙂
Now lets look at protein powders and bars. You may think the one you are grabbing is “healthy” BUT , if it is loaded with cheap SOY, artificial sweeteners, low quality protein, and junk fillers those may not be so clean either 🙂
What is YOUR definition of “working out”?
My definition of “working out” has no mention of reading ANYTHING, whether it is on the elliptical, treadmill, or exercise bike. My definition of working out involves INTENSITY and it is HARD. It involves bursts of 100% maximum exertion for short periods of time and it challenges and changes your body.
That level is different for different people, which is fine. It should be. The key is that you PUSH yourself. Do what is challenging for you. Depending on where you are starting and your current conditioning, something that may be easy for one person may be intense and hard for another. It is all about finding something challenging and hard for YOU.
For instance, my Jump Start may be challenging for some, where others may need Stronger to feel challenged. Whatever it is, just make sure it is CHALLENGING and intense for YOU!
Now, assuming your definitions of eating clean and working out hard are the SAME as mine, here are more variables:
- How much are you eating?
- Are you eating REAL unprocessed WHOLE FOODS?
- Are you combining the right amount of carbs, proteins and fats?
- How frequently are you eating? Or not eating?
- Are you eating too much? Too little? Too Frequently?
- Are you eating the right amount for ENERGY and LEAN MUSCLE MASS (muscle needs food!) Or are you eating TOO much and storing and holding on to FAT?
- How do you fuel yourself pre and post workout?
- How much water are you drinking?
- What is your activity level?
- What is the Intensity level of your training and are you progressing?
Is the list of questioning too long? UGH! You get my drift 🙂
Now what about “your unique issue” or your “exception?” Listen, I am sure you have one- we ALL have something. But, me validating that excuse will not help things change. That is not be empowering YOU! Finding a solution will. So, my questions above remain.
Now I am NOT asking you these questions to have you ANSWER them all to ME. I am simply asking you these questions so you can take a good look at WHAT you are actually doing and figure out where you need to make adjustments. I am also asking these questions so you can clearly see why there is not just “ONE thing” that gets you the results you want.
All of that being said, if what you are doing is working for you, then keep going! If it is NOT working, then you need to make changes. Once you have your formula it becomes SIMPLE. You know what to do, you do it, and it works. You become your best you!
Bloat, Fat, and Fatigue BE GONE! Give me 7 days to teach you the habits to get the weight off and change your life FOREVER! Start HERE
“Excuses or Solutions… YOU Decide!”
– Natalie Jill
