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.

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

Many of us women out there love to burn and sweat just as hard and as much as men do. So the question arises?are we then going to be cut and "ripped" like them too? Well, I don't know about you, but I don't want to have legs that could kill a small kid with just me flexing them. Most women like the "long and lean" muscle look. The "Pilates" body so to speak. So does that mean that we can't use at home workout programs more geared to men? What does that mean for us wives or girlfriends whose men use and love these programs? Does that mean we are doomed to exercise loneliness?

Maybe you have heard of some of the programs?Billy Blanks Get Ripped Taebo, or Shaun T's Insanity? the most popular get ripped routine for men seems to be Tony Horton's P90X. All of these have the aim of kicking your butt and getting you ripped, thus the reason men flock to them. I have to say though, I am a woman who has used at least one if not more of these programs. Did I get "ripped"? Well?. No.

It's really your aim in the program and how you use it. For instance; say you are doing arm exercises with weights. Do you do 8-10 reps or 12-15? Well, to get that long and lean look?you should be doing the higher reps, while your significant other or male counterpart is sticking with the 8-10. This is just one way that you can tailor these programs to fit the needs of a woman's body. Good rule of thumb? think that the more reps you do, the less bulk you are going to put on. As women we also have an advantage (or disadvantage however you look at it) in that we are not designed to "get ripped". We can get cut, lean, and strong without having to look abnormally strong. This can allow us to work just as hard and dig just as deep as the men in our lives and still create a feminine silhouette for ourselves.

One other bonus?many of these programs have great kick your butt, heart pounding cardio routines that is really for any of us. Some of them are yoga routines, kick boxing, plyometrics (great one!), and the list goes on. If you are still weary of anything that has to do with getting you "ripped", stick with these at first and you will love and see the benefits and this might give you the courage to work out more like a man (and probably be more graceful doing it). Coming from a woman who has a man who loves these routines, and who has used them with him?you can work out like a man but still look like a woman.

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.