VIDEO: Transform your Fitness with David McCabe - Week 7

You are what you eat

I hope last week’s column helped you to realise that you can achieve anything you set your mind to. This week we’re going to look at food. People often ask me what kind of foods they should eat to stay in shape. I get my nutrition from each of the food groups – protein, fats and carbohydrates. I also take supplements to replenish vitamins and minerals. Here are some suggestions;

Protein – turkey, chicken, lean beef, fish and protein powder

Fats – avocado, nuts, coconut oil and peanut butter

Carbohydrates – sweet potato, brown rice, quinoa, couscous and oatmeal

Supplements – multivitamin & mineral, vitamin C, cod liver oil and glutamine

Nutrition is important to your transformation. I never advocate that you need to starve yourself to get results. Your body needs healthy food as a source of vital nutrients which allows it to function correctly. Junk food is not as nutritious and can cause your body to feel out of harmony – you don’t feel as energetic and alert when you gorge on unhealthy options.

Lean proteins are needed by your body for growth, repair and fuel. Contrary to popular belief, fat is also vital. You can get healthy fats from nuts and avocados, just don’t over-do it. Carbohydrates are also a source of energy, but if you don’t use them up they will be converted into fat and stored in your body. That’s why feasting on carbohydrate-laden foods like cakes, sweets, biscuits, chips and pizza can have such an adverse effect on your figure.

The next time you are writing out your grocery list, pay attention to how many ready-meals and processed foods are on the list. Can you swop some of these foods for fresh ingredients and make the meal from scratch instead? It probably won’t take as long as you think to create a healthy, nutritious meal – and you can bask in the glow of pride in your amazing culinary skills. If you’re like Oscar Wilde and can resist everything except temptation, don’t buy cakes, sweets, crisps and ice-cream and then you’ll have nothing to worry about!

You’d be surprised how relatively small changes to your diet can have a big impact. Simply eating more fresh and unprocessed foods that you enjoy, and cutting out additive-laden fare will be a great start. What do you usually have for breakfast, lunch and dinner? How can you adapt them to make them healthier? At the end of a long day do you find yourself reaching for the phone and calling the local take-away? As the saying goes, preparation is everything. On a day that you have more time, make double quantities and freeze it for later. Watch what you eat and transform your body!

Next week we’ll be looking at the science behind a healthy body. In the mean time check out this week’s video #7 and try my recipe for pistachio butter. This week’s Transformer of the Week is James Fay. You can see his before & after photos on www.transformfitness.ie , find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @TransformFitPT for more updates. Before making any changes to your diet, taking supplements or embarking on an exercise regime always consult your doctor.

“Normal is an illusion. What is normal for the spider is chaos for the fly” – Morticia Addams

WEEK 7 VIDEO:

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