You Are What You Eat?

Guest post by Jenna Atkins
http://www.fitnessbodyonline.com

We have heard of this saying for decades. Some of us think of it as catchy, some of us think it is just a saying, but are there those of us who believe the truth of the statement? I can say that there are people that not only believe these words but live them, with great benefit to themselves. What do these words though, have to do with our workouts in particular? Everything, and let me tell you why.

This statement is a very powerful truth that holds no boundaries as far as age, sex, or even time. It is an endless truth that will never change especially when it comes to working out. Let me pose an example for you. Say it's the beginning of the year?January 1st. Most of us know that is the starting day of some kind of new resolution. In this particular case it is to work out 5 times a week. Noble goal. So your first workout day comes, all you have eaten all day is half a bowl of Special K and tuna from a can?now these may not be bad food choices, but how do you think you are going to perform working out? Do you think you will have the fuel to get through a full cardio class? My bet is absolutely no. You haven't given yourself the energy to perform energetic tasks. You will just be empty?.you are what you eat, and in this case not much. The same goes with over eating or eating the wrong foods. All of this has a direct bearing on your performance during and after working out. So what should you be eating?

That question seems like a can of worms doesn't it? Well, it really doesn't have to be. Now of course, age, height, weight and health circumstances do have a direct bearing on certain types of food choices. For instance a diabetic would want to stay clear of dried fruit especially before a workout, and a 5ft woman wouldn't be consuming the same amount of calories as a 6'3" man. Variables. So what basic nutrition rules apply? High protein, low carb, snacks at about 3-4pm in the afternoon, good fats (nuts, avocados, olive oil) in moderation, and of course fruits and vegetables in abundance. These are the golden standards of nutrition. Doesn't sound too difficult does it? Well, it isn't, but it does mean that we have to think before we buy, prepare, or order. This also means reading the labels on things and actually seeing what is in our food. A great standard is 5 or less ingredients on the box?this will help eliminate unnecessary additives and sodium from our diets. One other great tool to use and use well, is a protein formula?pick your flavor it doesn't matter but use it as meal replacements, or your afternoon snack. Make sure these contain more protein and healthy fats then sugar or else you are defeating the purpose and again becoming what you eat.
Using these simple guides to a nutritious life will help you to get the most out of your day, workouts, and your health. You see, the statement "you are what you eat" shouldn't be used as a new diet phrase but a new life plan. Remember, the statement is a powerful truth that won't change, so why should we try and ignore the impact that it can have on us for a lifetime of working out and health?

About the writer? Jenna Atkins is a guest writer for several Health and Weight Loss related blogs including Fitness Body Online. Jenna enjoys participating in and writing about the newest exercise programs and diet plans.

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24 Comments

  1. For me, what I eat is so important in my workout performance.  I can think back to the times that I haven't made it through a workout and it is always when I have made poor food choices.  When I eat enough protein and get my fruits and veggies I feel much better during the workout and after as well.  Thanks for the reminder!

  2. Guille says:

    You bring up a few really good points, I believe that there are some basic rules that apply to everyone, men, women, young or old. Our bodies need high quality foods to sustain us, I just can't find a better way to put it.
    It is not just about eating, it is what we eat; I personally do not eat anything that comes out of a box or is or have been frozen, I eat fruits and vegetables, as well as meats and grains and nuts, and my overall energy level has skyrocketed since I began to consciously choose foods that are right for me.
    Great post.

  3. Angela says:

    Thanks for sharing this great post. It’s very enlightening. I absolutely love to read informative stuff particularly on health and wellness. Looking forward to find out more and acquire further knowledge from here! Cheers!

  4. lipo says:

    The statement, 'you are what you eat' gives off a lot of ambivalence. Nowadays, we are too acquisitive in the sense that we go for the higher priced foods because they're high priced, they should be better for you? Wrong. You must look at the calories label and then make that sort of judgement.

  5. home jobs says:

    Hi, Nice to see a pretty professionally done blog on the this rich subject.
     

  6. 400g red lentils (soaked overnight) – lentils are great as they are low gi giving your body a steady flow of fuel without a blood sugar spike. Also packed with vitamins and minerals and very affordable.
    Vegetables – onion, carrots, celery, capsicum – your choice of fresh vegetables
    Small piece grated Ginger and 2-3 crushed cloves Garlic – Aids in digestion and respiratory function.
    Spices – I like to use Cumin because of its huge number of benefits for general health, cancer prevention and of course recovery after exercise. I also add chilies or a tablespoon of cayenne pepper to get the desired spice.

  7. billspaced says:

    @ lipo – sure it does. But so does “look at calories label…” Where’s the label on that apple? Your best best is to eat stuff that doesn’t come in a package that has a label! Think about that. Fruit, vegetables, beef, chicken, etc. – none of that stuff comes with a label. Yet “healthy snacks” like whole grain crackers come in boxes with labels. Which is better for you?

  8. Of course, what you eat is a big part of you. I have to eat the right foods  – especially before or after a workout – else I don' think I have gotten all that I could from the workout.

  9. johnmarc says:

    Yeah. What you eat is really very important. You really have to take good care of yourself. Though I believe that not everything could apply to each and everyone of us but still thanks for sharing your ideas :D

  10. we really have to consider what our body needs to know the food that will complement for it..right choice of food, and a balance diet makes us healthy and more productive on whatever we do…

  11. Thanks for sharing this excellent post. I love your idea in this topic, I agree that you are what you eat. I've been going in and out in the gym for 3 years now, it is very important to have the right food in your stomach or you wont have the energy to lift weights or you will get tired faster. Thanks again.

  12. Well I am very much conscious for my eating habits.I do not eat junk food frequently like others.I always try to eat more fruits and vegetables in my regular food.I also believe that you are what you eat.There is good post you have written.

  13. Sheila says:

    What an awesome blog! You've taught me significant health information from this article. I appreciate you for taking the effort to extend this topic so comprehensively.  I look forward to learning more on your upcoming posts. Thanks.

  14. Sheila says:

    What an awesome health blog! You've taught me significant information from this article. I appreciate you for taking the effort to extend this topic so comprehensively.  I look forward to learning more on your upcoming posts. Thanks.

  15. limaj says:

     It reflects on your weight and the way u project with your body.
     

  16. You become exactly what you eat, so next time you have a burger, look twice and think again!

  17. Jay says:

    Great post this is something all bloggers that talk about health should read. I just got finish reading this other great post and was wondering did anyone else read it? If so can you share what you think about it <a href="http://allurebody.net">Exercise</a&gt;

  18. Food is always important to the lives of people who live and work on this planet, it always gives us the necessary nutrients for the body and ensure the health of people daily. I always use but less vegetables and fruit juice after exercise sessions or play tennis. Physical activity always makes us take a lot of energy. Therefore, providing adequate nutrition for the body is a reasonable approach helps us to balance calories in the body.

  19. limaj says:

    The notion that to be fit and healthy you need to eat good food.

  20. Impressive articles and really some good points are out here.I also believes in the title You are what your eat ?.So it's really importance maintain your diet and try to eat the healthier so that you get benefits from it.

  21. adrienne says:

    I definitely agree with this one..what you eat reflects on what you are..you have to really be conscious of what you are eating to stay healthy …

  22. Azri Miskal says:

    For me, the age-old saying refers more to how my fitness would be affected if I pay no heed to what I eat. You are what you eat for me means that if i refuse to take note of unhealthy fats and oily food that I consume, it just means I'm going down the path to being unhealthy and eventually overweight.

  23. Azri Miskal I am totally agree with you. When we are old we got to pay more attention on what we eat.

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