The ones who GET IT

paleo. vegan. no carb. all carb. vegetarian. meathead. contest prep.


if you're like me, and always find yourself reading about the types of diets/meal plans different athletes/people with amazing physiques are on, you know where I'm about to head with this blog. At the forefront of every diet trend, you will see ripped spokespeople and devout followers. These people have sick bodies, and swear by their own meal plan, whether its been adapted from a broader eating philosophy such as "veganism" or "paleo" or "bodybuilding." The reason these people are all ripped and able to maintain an amazing physique while also training intensely is because:


THEY LIVE LIKE ATHLETES. 


And if you're serious about getting in GREAT shape (this is not synonymous with "toning up"...i don't know what the fuck that means. go join weight watchers and buy a shake weight if you want some tone) you MUST live like an athlete. That means your meals and supplements and fluid intake should support your training and enable your body to make muscular and strength gains. Just because you have a 10 mile run planned does NOT mean you can eat McDonalds the night before to "carb up"!! Do you think a serious runner or olympic sprinter would eat that? 


Athletes put themselves through physically grueling workouts in search of progressing in their sport. And NO, you do not have to be on an athletic team of sorts to consider yourself an athlete. I consider myself an athlete...yet I don't play sports AT ALL! 


Anyone with an intense workout regimen that is physically taxing is eligible for this "athlete" title in my opinion. In case you didn't know, Bodybuilding is a sport people! Dancers, football players, sprinters, pole dancers, olympic lifters...these people all might endure different TYPES of training and physical activity--but it is all very methodical and physically challenging nonetheless. Therefore, all of these people must eat CLEAN and WHOLE foods that can be efficiently broken down by the body to FUEL their workouts/training. A sponsored cross-fit athlete might subscribe to that whole paleo lifestyle--but trust me, he/she isn't eating paleo brownies, jars full of almond butter, and coconut ice cream to stay paleo. That person is eating lots of lean meats, sensible portions of nuts and seeds, and maintaining enough carbohydrates to be successful as a strong athlete.


Same goes for veganism. Someone trying to make strength gains and muscle gains while adhering to a vegan lifestyle is not going to stay lean or energized if he or she is eating vegan ice creams, pastries, and other crap that was made sans animal products. A lean and muscular vegan is likely eating tons of veggies and fruits along with adequate protein from nuts, legumes, and natural plant-based protein powders.


Overall, no matter what meal plan you stick to, you need to treat food like a source of fuel. Your training is directly impacted by the type of fuel you put in your body. Example: my mom drives a range rover, and that baby needs premium gas. If you put regular gas in the tank over and over again, it will develop problems. Therefore, you don't want your body looking like a Honda. You want the range rover or maserati of bodies, you need to buy premium gas (groceries..)


And if i can conclude with a final remark...most lean and ripped people you see promoting a certain meal plan or diet are eating TONS of vegetables. Aaaaand there's my eat your greenbeans plug of the day. Remember--whatever plan you choose to follow, make sure to include the best sources of food possible, and watch your carbs. seriously, people overestimate how many carbs the body needs to function. A 3 mile jog does NOT require any extra carbs...come on people.


Finally...If you TRAIN like an athlete, its about time you EAT like one! Respect your hard work and do yourself the favor of having the diet to complement your workouts.


Anyway. Do you follow a strict diet?