Consider the last time you made a purchase requiring some installation - a TV, computer, iPod, a desk, etc. When you opened your new purchase, it's likely there were directions that warned you, "Read this before you begin." If you take the time to read them, you might avoid some headaches later in the installation. You'll also have a purchase that runs at it's intended level of performance. Unfortunately, as human beings, we have not been given an instruction book to tell you exactly what you need to eat and do to run at an optimum level. We rely on science to perform research, which can show us one piece at a time, how to to train or what to eat to achieve various fitness goals. From there, each individual will assemble his or her personal instruction book over time. We'll strive to provide the education and information you need to achieve your goals.
Before you can make use of that information, though, you'll need to decide exactly what you want to accomplish. Just as the installation instructions for a new flat screen TV won't help you assemble a new table from IKEA, using the nutrition suggestions for competing in your first marathon are not what can best help you lose those last ten pounds of body fat. To accomplish your most important fitness goals, your nutrition plan must be structured specifically for your goals.
As an example, as you become more interested in applying sound nutrition to your lifestyle, you may read an article about organic eating, and another on the significance of protein in each of your meals, another article about carbohydrate intake for endurance athletes, and still another on the importance of having some dairy fat in your diet. WOW! Just that is a lot to take in! This is a great example of why having some very personal, motivating goals is so important. The risk is that if you don't know exactly what you want to accomplish, you may try everything you read in the hopes that something will have an effect. There are some basic nutrition necessities for everyone, including the importance of eating frequently, consuming protein with each meal, and taking a multivitamin and fish oil, but even with these, there are additional questions, such as: How much? How often? What kind?
This has been a very long introduction to a few very basic points.
- Set some very clear goals. You must know what you most want to accomplish with your nutrition and exercise program. Over time, you can strive to accomplish more, but your likelihood of success is much greater if you have just a couple of very clear goals in mind.
- Decide on your plan. Once you’ve decided on how you will get to your goal, stick with the plan. Avoid asking for advice from more people who may not have the same goals in mind, or who may have a different philosophy than the one you’ve decided to go with. If you need someone to help you build a plan, try setting up a complimentary consultation with a Nutrition Coach.
- Find support. People are much more likely to achieve their goals if they connect with others on the same path. If you are trying to train for your best marathon ever, and your friend is on a plan to lose weight, you will have very different exercise and nutrition plans. Find people on the same path. This can be through the myLT discussion boards, during our monthly in-club events, in the eat program, or just in networking with some of our Fitness Professionals.
We will strive to provide the education and motivation to help you on your path through this site. Feel free to contact me, or one of our Fitness or Nutrition Professionals and we’ll be happy to help you in your journey toward a more Healthy Way of Life. Some of the topics we'll cover in this site will be based on questions from our members, so please send us your questions.
In health,
Tom Nikkola
