Your diet and nutrition will have a huge impact on your progress and results. The popular phrase “you can’t out-train a bad diet” is spot on, and learning how to properly eat for your goals is key. If you’re training to your full potential in the gym but not getting anywhere, your diet could be the cause, either because you’re overeating or under eating. Make sure that you are eating enough to fuel your intense workouts. Dieting on extremely low calories and hitting the gym every day can actually cause your metabolism to slow down and progress to stall. You need energy to complete a hard workout, and that energy comes from food. Eat wholesome, nutrient dense foods that are packed with vitamins, minerals, and the essential macronutrients (proteins, carbohydrates, and fats) in order to keep your metabolism revved up and your energy high. Just as it’s possible to under eat after a hard workout, you may also be consuming more food than you actually need. Restaurant dishes can be packed with high calories, and a few extra spoonfuls here or late night snacking there can add up quickly. Be mindful of your portions, and pay attention to your hunger/fullness cues. Eat to feel full and satisfied, without stuffing yourself to the gills.
Although you might feel like you are pushing yourself to the limits during your workouts, ask yourself if you could possibly be working harder. Maybe you could pick up a heavier weight on that exercise, or run just a bit faster on the treadmill, or add in a few extra sets at the end of your workout. More often than not, we can always bring more effort to the table! Challenge yourself to add more intensity to your workout. Of course there will be days when you don’t feel 100% and you can’t leave the gym totally spent, but the majority of your workouts should leave you with nothing left in the tank. Train hard, focus on your workout rather than texting or chatting between sets, and push yourself out of your comfort zone. Change and results happen most when we are uncomfortable, so be ready to feel a little pain and struggle, it will be worth it.
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