Y’all, the diet and fitness industry is keeping you unfit. There I said it.
Many of them promise 6 pack abs in a pill or quick fix. They profit on your weakness, poor health, and most of all, your ignorance.
I too was told by medical professions and “gurus” all I needed to do to lose weight and improve my gut issues were eat less calories, eat more fiber, more fruits and vegetables, and drink more water. All of which I did, gaining more weight, worse constipation, and exacerbated gut symptoms.
It’s CLEARLY not a one-size-fits-all or easy answer like eat less.
If you knew what truly matters when it comes to health and transformation, you wouldn’t fall for all the BS.
There are certain foundational principles that will help you get incredibly fit.
I made big mistakes in my fitness journey juggling digestive problems, disordered eating, & fueling like an athlete for performance.
I remember starving myself after workouts because I thought I’d “undo” all my hard work.
I thought I’d be “toned” & have better energy but what I actually got was “skinny fat,” weak, & bloated.
What does it take to optimize workouts?
1. Adequate food quantity & proper meal timing for your workouts
2. The RIGHT food (what you can digest & absorb efficiently mentally & physically)
3. Appropriate stimulus (WEIGHTS & cardio)
4. Consistency (not perfection)
5. Recovery (SLEEP & rest days)
Liquids & low volume, easy to digest foods will be your best friend when it comes to IBS & IBD & eating closer to workout times.
Athletes have special needs:
- An endurance athlete? You train for high-level competition. You log a lot of high intensity miles each week. For you, carb or fat & calorie needs are likely higher.
- Training as a bodybuilder? You lift weights with serious muscle growth in mind. Your protein & calorie needs are likely higher.
- Getting ready for a fitness competition? You’re trying to drop to a single-digit body fat %. For you, carbs or fats would be lower depending on the individual & protein would be higher.
Basic Generalizations:
- Carbs & Fats are your fuel sources. If you eat carbs, they’re more appropriate for the Crossfits, Cyclebar, Orange Theory, Shred415, F45, etc. We burn a ton of carbs doing high intensity activity for long periods of time. You can also fuel with fat if you’re fat adapted, I do.
- Eat 90-120 min prior to exercise, minimize added fats or fiber around workouts for digestive ease. 2:1 ratio carbs to protein for traditional dieters. Ex: 50g carbs, 25g protein
- 5am’ers training fasted, just eat a delicious carb (traditional) or fat-filled (keto or carnivore) dinner the night before.
I’d be happy to guide you in the right direction, link here to coaching options!
