• Breakfast or
• Dinner

On off-days, it could very well be lunch.

But on workout days, your absolute most important meal is your post-workout shake.

There, I said it.

Here's the proof.

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.

The amount of ATP your mitochondria create is determined by genetics, exercise level, your nutritional status and thyroid activity.   Of course you can’t change your genetics, but as we always talk about you can dictate and control your exercise and nutritional status. 

More at The Energy and Weight Loss Connection Nobody Talks About.

Up to 10 total servings a day!

That’s a lot of food.

More at Are You Eating Enough Fruits And Vegetables Every Day?

What do I mean by that? Sorry, you'll have to wait for the next post!

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It should make your blood boil, too. With permission, here is a piece of the nutritional truth from my partners at Prograde.

Whatever you do, don't let this Tropical Nutrient source fool you into thinking it's something it's not.

Tropical Nutrient Source

Technology and scientists have figured out a way to utilize that wonderful red fruit from the coffee plant and all its beneficial properties.   The fruit of the coffee bush is this red fruit that contains the coffee bean. 

More Here.

But hey, it's not in this world we live in today. Believe me, I understand all too well that there's temptation around every corner.

Everywhere you look there's fast food, junk food, chocolate, candy, ice cream, pizza…

And I know it tastes good. And I know when you get stressed your body craves it even more.

That's why you have to have a plan. You have to know what you're going to do to avoid those temptations. You have to plan your meals in advance.

Again, if this were easy everyone would be thin and in great shape. But they're not.

The first thing to do is come to grips with reality. To accept the fact that getting the body of your dreams is going to take effort.

The second is to understand that it's not going to be miserable. In fact, it's going to be a LOT of fun.

When you exercise you feel awesome. Sure, the weight comes off. But you also feel stronger. You're more alive. You can meet the demands of your day SO much easier.

How is that miserable?

And when you start eating healthier the same thing happens. It really, really is true: you are what you eat.

Now, take a second and really think about that.

What you are putting in your mouth is what your body is using to regenerate itself with all the time.

If you're eating crappy food…

Get the picture

But don't worry, I've got a really cool and inexpensive resource for you to help you out BIG TIME with your healthy eating.

My partners over at Prograde Nutrition have created this 197 Healthy and Delicious Fat Burning Recipes ebook. It's only $4.95 and I highly recommend it to make healthy weight loss much easier on you.