Posted on
02 September 2010, under
Fitness / Sport; More Fitness / Sport articles...
Ed Scow
FIT DAD TIP: THE CALORIE DEBATE
EXERCISE OF THE MONTH: MASTERING THE PLANK
FIT DAD TIP: One of the main things I try to instill in my clients is that if you fill your diet with good stuff, calories aren’t that important. My rationale is that if you eat mostly fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, lean meats, etc. – and limit, or eliminate, the junk like processed foods, alcohol, breads and even some dairy, your body will TELL you when it’s had enough.
“You tell us we should have things like plain almonds or peanuts along with an apple as a snack, but that’s a lot of calories. Why can’t I just have a bar instead?”
You have to stop thinking ‘calories’ and start thinking ‘nutrition’. If all we think about is calories, the point is valid, but it’s impossible for most to master.
I could easily give you a 200-calorie bar that’s going to have fewer calories than a serving of almonds and an apple (approximately 250 calories). But when you remove the calories from the situation and compare the nutrition of the two, you begin to see why the argument is flawed.
A bar is 200 calories of sugar and fat. Not “good” sugar or fat. However, the almonds are loaded with fibre, protein and healthy fats. The stuff that helps your body burn stored fat, gives you a TON of natural energy, keeps you healthy, lowers cholesterol, helps your digestive system, etc. The apple is a good source of fibre and vitamins too.
Both are LOADED with phytonutrients – the little cancer-fighting powerhouses. Plus if you eat a sugar-loaded snack, you will be hungry again VERY quickly and you’ll be sent on an energy roller coaster. Both of which make you crave and eat MORE simple carbohydrates.
The nuts/fruit combination takes a while to digest and gives you a constant flow of nutrition and energy which will leave you feeling upbeat and full of energy for hours and will keep your hunger in check.
That’s why I tell people to stop worrying about calories and start worrying about nutrition and quality of ingredients. If you follow that rule 90% of the time, most of your food worries will be taken care of and you’ll still be able to indulge on your favorite treats.
EXERCISE OF THE MONTH: MASTERING THE PLANK
The plank abs exercise is a move that tightens, tones and strengthens your inner core muscles in addition to your abdominal muscles. An excellent all-around core strengthening exercise that works multiple muscle groups at the same time. Building your core strength with the plank has the potential to make a big difference in your posture, balance and the quality of your daily movements.
How to Do it...
Dad.ie’s fitness guru, Ed Scow, also known as “The Fit Dad” has been helping dads all over the globe to get into better shape and lose weight. Ed will be hosting a series of quick and easy “Fit Dad Vids” right here on dad.ie To learn more about The Fit Dad you can check out his blog at www.TheFitDadSays.com and to learn more about his 10-minute fat loss program, head to www.FatLossToGo.com
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