Let's start with the exercise. I teach 3-4 Zumba classes a week and as the instructor, my energy level has to high so that my participants come along with me. So I am usually giving 110% of my effort and bringing it to the dance floor. I also teach several strength training classes, however, when I teach those, my responsibility is to watch participants form and make corrections, as needed, so I am not getting my workout in. Consequently, I get one or at least two true "Gail" workouts where I push myself in order to maintain my physique. What do you have to do? Push yourself outside of your comfort zone. If you are not seeing change from what you are currently doing, you are NOT doing enough. You have to push yourself to feel your muscles burn, to feel your heart rate increase, to feel the sweat.
What do I typically eat? Breakfast, never skip it. Ever. This is typically a granola cereal with almond milk or oatmeal, my next meal can be eggs and whole wheat bread, followed by whole wheat pasta with ground turkey in a sauce with a vegetable, and finally chicken breast or a fish with a vegetable and brown rice or quinoa. In between meals, my snacks are fruit, nuts, raw vegetables with hummus or protein shakes. I eat every three hours and never go more than four hours without having something. What do you have to do? Introduce yourself to healthier food options and take yourself outside of your comfort zone. You may be surprised by what you may like. If you are not seeing change in your body with your current exercise plan and your food choices, you have to definitely change what and how you are eating. Your nutrition impacts the body most significantly if you are trying to lose weight and/or tone. More importantly, if you have any issues of hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol or triglycerides, you definitely want to change your habits. If you choose one thing to eliminate or change at a time, it makes it a bit easier. For example, instead of going to the fast food restaurant three days this week, make it one with the ultimate intention to visit on a seldom basis for a treat.
Since I competed in figure competitions in 2002 and 2004, how and what I eat follows a similar pattern of clean eating. What I mean by that is I eat as many whole foods as possible. Lots of fruits, vegetables, chicken or turkey breast, fish, eggs, whole grains and as little processed foods as possible. I also drink at least half of my body weight in ounces of water everyday. Don't get me wrong, I have an occasional cookie or piece of cake, but I exercise and eat really well a majority of the time, so it is fine to have treats in MODERATION. I walk my talk. Be Well.
