I “eat clean” and workout BUT I am not making progress… Is this you? If so, READ ON!
I get 100+ e-mails through my website daily. Many of them start with “I am eating clean and working out hard, BUT…” Those behind the e-mail are looking for the “one thing” they need to do to fix this problem.
STOP RIGHT HERE!!!
Let me ask you THESE things:
What is YOUR definition of “eating clean?”
When you say “eating clean” what does that mean? “Eating clean” means different things to different people. Lots of people have eating ‘healthy foods’ confused with eating clean. Lots of people are eating “healthy” foods like oatmeal, quinoa, 100% whole wheat bread, potatoes, corn, etc., but aren’t losing weight or getting toned like they would like.
Here is my definition of eating clean: eating unprocessed foods in the proper ratios and portion size. No fake, fat free, sugar free ingredients that I can’t pronounce that were made by scientists and chemists, NOT farmers. Your ‘healthy’ oatmeal with fruit for breakfast is NOT MY DEFINITION OF EATING CLEAN (yes I am yelling.). That meal is all carbs and has no healthy fat or protein. Good luck getting lean and starting the day with a meal almost completely comprised of carbs.
Don’t get me started on your protein powder loaded with cheap SOY, and artificial sweeteners. Those protein bars loaded with low quality protein, and junk fillers and chemicals are ALSO not my definition of eating clean.
What is YOUR definition of “working out?”
My definition of “working out” has no mention of reading ANYTHING, whether it is on the elliptical, treadmill, or exercise bike. My definition of working out involves INTENSITY and it is HARD. It involves bursts of 100% maximum exertion for short periods of time and it challenges and changes your body.
That level is different for different people, which is fine. The key is that you PUSH yourself. Depending on where you are starting and your current conditioning, something that may be easy for one person may be intense and hard for another. It is all about finding something challenging and hard for YOU.
For instance, my Jump Start may be challenging for some, where others may need the Super Shred to be challenged. Whatever it is, just make sure it is CHALLENGING and intense for YOU!
Now, assuming your definitions of eating clean and working out hard are the SAME as mine, here are more variables:
- How much are you eating?
- Are you combining the right amount of carbs, proteins and fats?
- How frequently are you eating?
- Are you eating too much? Too little? Too Frequently? Not frequently enough?
- Are you eating the right amount for ENERGY and LEAN MUSCLE MASS (muscle needs food!) Or are you eating TOO much and storing and holding on to FAT?
- How do you fuel yourself pre and post workout?
- How much water are you drinking?
- What is your activity level?
- How frequently are you working out?
- What is the Intensity level of your training and are you progressing?
- How long are you working out?
Too long? UGH! You get my drift 
Now I am NOT asking you these questions to have you ANSWER them all to ME (please don’t actually or I will never be able to be away from e-mails). I am asking you these questions so you can take a good look at WHAT you are actually doing and figure out where you need to make adjustments. I am also asking these questions so you can clearly see why there is not just “ONE thing” that gets results.
All of that said, if what you are doing is working for you, then keep going! If it is NOT working, then you need to make changes. Once you have your formula it becomes SIMPLE. You know what to do, you do it, and it works. You become your best you!
Want to learn more about my definition of clean eating and progression training? Start HERE
Excuses or Solutions…YOU Decide!!
– Natalie Jill