This one’s for Tineo and all our other inquisitive readers. Diet is the question of the century. For years we’ve been asking what and what not to eat. Don’t look at it as “dieting” that’s when you feel the pressure and have all that temptation and that fear of failure. Look at it as a way of life from now on.We all know that of coarse veggies and fruits are better for you then burgers and fries, unless you’re Micheal Phelps and you need to consume a whopping 12,000 calories a day). We also know that kool aid has more calories then water (water has 0 of course). But what we don’t know is why we have to eat veggies, whole grains and protein (chicken, fish, beef) to maintain or lose weight. Nobody tells us that unless we seek the answer. The truth is our bodies are all built differently so It’ll be different for everyone, but the average female needs to consume 1,200-1,500 calories a day, 1,200 if you’re less active, 1,500 for those of us that are more. In order to lose weight,  mainly body fat, because you don’t want to lose muscle, you have to expend more then you consume. So in other words burn more calories then you are eating. This doesn’t mean eat a big mac and fries and that’s it for the day, cuz trust some people will do that. But in doing that yes they will lose weight, but they will also lose muscle and be feeling pretty rough, and look haggard and flabby (skinny, fat ala Kate Moss). I also imagine one would get stopped up, if you know what i mean…lol. This does mean you have to be cautious of exactly everything you are putting into your body, and controlling your portion sizes and the frequency of your eating habits. Keeping a journal helps me tons and hold me accountable, kind of a pain but you can also keep it in your phone (I put mine in my blackberry, then write it all down when I get home) If you are what you eat, which I believe is true, would you rather look like a huge, greasy, sloppy hamburger oozing cheese off the sides of your pants. Or a tall, lean, crisp looking cucumber, fresh and inviting? I pick the later. So hopefully you’re still following because this is some important stuff I’m about to tell you. IT’S ALL ABOUT CLEAN EATING. That’s no processed, frozen, or canned foods! Nothing with high fructose corn syrup and other shit you n i can’t pronounce. No hydrogenated oils! That’s learning to cook at home more often, buy a cooler to take to work with you with fresh, yummy snacks (plus it’ll save you tons of $$$) and preparing things ahead of time. I tell you this because I know how I am. If I get home and I’m hungry I’ll eat the first thing that’s quick and easy and staring at me in the face. Throw out junk foods (or give to some dude that likes junk food), everything that is high in calories. That’s those potato chips, red vines, and Swanson t.v. dinners sitting in your pantry and fridge. Along this new life adventure you’ll find new healthy treats to satisfy your sweet tooth. Don’t get tempted! Out of sight and out of mind. And plus are you really gonna leave your house at 9pm because you have a hankering for some M&Ms?

 It is putting more protein into your diet. Eating every two-three hrs to ward off starvation. So yes that’s like 5-6xz a day, but small meals. I do 5, three medium and two snacks, that just works for me. At every meal you’ll need a protein even snacks, this helps you keep the muscle you’ll be building at the gym (you are going to the gym right?) At every medium meal you’ll need a protein, fat (good fat) and a good carb. Don’t be scared of that word carbohydrate. We need carbs, life wouldn’t be the same without carbs, I LOVE CARBS….sigh.

if you didn’t eat carbs you probably wouldn’t poop for about a week! O.k. that’s a little dramatic, but you do need them. But you need the good ones, yes i said good one’s. I put them in the category of everything that’s not white is good, or at least better (ie. brown rice, beans, wheat bread, fruit). That means they (good carbs) have fiber!!! YES, the stuff that helps you poop! I’m all about a good poop! And you need fiber to help you do that. Also it helps you feel full. When you digest a carb, it expands in your stomach while it’s getting broken down, that’s where the full feeling comes from. But don’t over indulge remember portion size, Eat until you’re satisfied and not until your full, there is a huge difference! Also drink lot of water! Water keeps you hydrated, helps you feel fuller longer, speeds up your metabolism, gives you great lookin skin!

I realize this sounds like alot so take your time doing this, it is a life style change not a diet! It can be dramatic, and traumatic for some, go your own pace. do one this a week until you got it in full swing. It’s second nature for me now, I don’t even crave those things that I used to before. I can go on and on about diet and exercise, and supplements forever!!!! and I will I am committing to go into detail about all of this stuff “twice” a week, just till I am able to fill you in on it all! Let’s say Monday’s and Thursdays. you’ve got a lot of homework to get you started for now! I hope it all helps!!!

xoxo Miss Roq