5 things I have learned along the way of my #fitness lifestyle

The longer I train and eat clean the more I learn about this lifestyle. You learn something new everyday. When I first started I never knew any of these 5 things that are simple, yet important.

1.Measuring your food– A few months before training for my first show I began the eat clean lifestyle ( I will write a new article on how that started soon) I was not measuring food and was getting frustrated. Why frustrated? Because I was eating clean and still not losing weight. Just because your eating healthy doesn’t mean you will be as lean as you want. It is so important to make sure your intaking the proper portions. Depending on your weight and height the measurements will be different. For example I would eat a huge bowl of oatmeal and more eggs than recommended. Now I have a measuring cup, tablespoons, and a food scale(digital to be exact). The measurements vary according to a show I am training for or to an off season meal plan.

2. Staying hydrated– I have always drank a lot of water. Growing up my parents always made sure we were hydrated. I always knew it was important but never really kept track of my water intake. I also wasn’t thinking about how my caffeine intake would affect it. I would have coffee in the morning,thermogenic fat burners, teas, and/or water. Not thinking that the caffeine would counteract the water. The more caffeine you intake the more water you need. Remember this** Daily intake of water should be 50% of your body weight in ounces** ATHLETES – Daily intake of water should be atleast 75% of their body weight in ounces.

3. Not be afraid to lift some iron– I probably really started working out consistently a year and a half before I started competing. When I did so I was one of those girls that thought if I lifted weights I would get bulky. Literally for that year and a half all I did was cardio and abs 5-6 days a week. I remember my routine by heart 30 minute run on the treadmill, 20 minutes stairmaster , 10 minutes on the elliptical, followed by 500 crunches. As soon as I started training with a professional I learned to keep my weights pretty medium, high reps, and to also have recovery days.

4.Always pack a lunchbox– There were so many times when I would plan on eating healthy but then get stuck in a situation where the only food available was junk food. I would then tell myself “oh I will start over tomorrow” and then continue eating bad throughout the day. Then I would get so mad at myself the next day when I would weigh myself from the junk I would eat. Now I make sure and have meals 2-6 meals packed with me at all times. You never know when your going to run into a situation where you end up having to go somewhere other than back home to eat.

Me with my lunchbox and my coach Adela!

5.Eat clean and exercise for your health– I definitely don’t have the highest metabolism and I have had to learn that throughout the years. Just because Sally can eat junk and look good doesn’t mean you will. Just because Sally doesn’t work out doesn’t mean you can pull it off too! One thing I had to realize is I can’t just workout and eat clean to look good or compete. I have to do it for my health!# Our health is our wealth! So the next time Sally eats junk in front of you while your dieting just remember who will be living longer and healthier!

An example of “Health = Wealth” Tosca Reno! She is my inspiration!