Food, Health, Working Out

[kryptychyck]

Hello,

This is just my own personal expereince on the topic. Feel free to comment.

I have read through many posts where people asked what they should eat to help out their workouts and get the sculpted look. I wondered the same thing a few years ago. So, over the past few years I tried to research nutrition in the bookstores. I tried to plan menus around the basic knowledge acquired through the books. I signed up for internet diet clubs . I tried local in person diet clubs (I don't recommend those). I really did not get anywhere in this process. Or, I would get bored and revert back to the old ways after 6 weeks and it would get worse. Ugh!

So rather recently I decided to work with a registered dietician and learn how to properly fuel myself . I told her about my goals and we got started right away. I will recommend discussing sports nutrition with a dietician to anyone who is looking to achieve health, wellness, and the sculpted look. what I have learned in the past few visits goes above and beyond what I have found during my research. Also, she puts the information in terms that I can understand so I can apply the knowledge.

Fruits, vegetables, proteins, and grains are just the start of it. The types of protein and how they affects the muscle development differently is amazing. There is just so much going on in your body. Every person is different as well so really (and IMHO), quick answers and generalized principles just don't cut it after a certain point.

If you can do it, I would recommend talking to a registered dietician. She or he will be able to answer all of your questions and customize foods and make recommendations for you where you can achieve the best result for your goals.

Good luck and happy health!

 

[LeanneM]

Hi kryptychyck,

Thanks for posting this great advice! I'd actually been thinking about doing the same thing. Can I ask where you found your RD? Is there a good on-line site for recommendations?

Thanks!

 

[Stebby]

Isn't it funny that you mentioned this ... I decided to do the same thing and had my first consultation with a dietician last week. Prior to our appointment she had me fill out a 12-page questionnaire about my health and habits. It asked about all kinds of things, including whether you suffer from poor memory, PMS, constipation/diarrhea, low energy, frequent urination, feeling drowsy after high-carb meals, insomnia, excess gas, headaches, chocolate cravings, salt cravings, cold hands/feet, late-night binges - anything you can think of! Based on my answers, she prepared a profile for me and she has given me an initial set of "homework". My next appointment with her is next week and we'll be discussing my specific goals, reviewing the food diary I'm keeping this week, and setting up an eating plan for me based on my goals, my exercise habits and nutritional shortcomings as identified in the questionnaire results.

This particular dietician works out of a high-end health club to which I had won a one-month membership. I know of at least one other gym where there is a dietician on staff. It's probably possible to find one through the internet or perhaps via a referral from a family doctor.

 

[LeanneM]

Sounds like a really thorough appraisal! I'll definitely have to look into this. Thanks for the info!

 

[nancy324]

I couldn't agree more! In my experience, the best thing about consulting with a dietician is that they will tailor an eating plan to YOU. When I visited the dietician, she had me keep track of everything I ate for a week or so. I was expecting her to tell me to toss everything on the list, but she didn't toss out anything I really loved. She said if you love coffee, drink your coffee, but try to limit it to two cups in the morning, that kind of thing. I thought it was terribly clever, because she made sure to give me a plan I could really live with. I don't think a book can do that. I wish I could get my DH to go.

 

[Imafitnessfreak]

kryptychyck, what big changes have you seen so far? How long have you een following your RD's advice?

 

[kryptychyck]

>Hi kryptychyck,
>
>Thanks for posting this great advice! I'd actually been
>thinking about doing the same thing. Can I ask where you
>found your RD? Is there a good on-line site for
>recommendations?
>
>Thanks!
>


Hello,

You are welcome. That was also another tough search. I found her through my health insurance company. They have a section for alternative health - accupuncture, etc. She was under dietetics search. I would imagine that if you search under your local directory that you could find someone. Your doctor or local hospital could also point you in the right direction.

Good luck!

 

[kryptychyck]

>kryptychyck, what big changes have you seen so far? How
>long have you een following your RD's advice?


Well, I stopped drinking diet soda and eating anything with aspertame and other chemical sweetners in it almost a month ago. I also switched to organic only and stopped buying produce not grown in the USA. I have increased my water intake. So far I feel good and I have increased energy. The other interesting thing is that while everyone around me is getting sick, I feel fine. My boyfriend, co-workers, people in the stores, etc are all coughing and sneezing and have ear and sinus infections and I am not getting any of it. (Knock on wood now) I feel pretty good actually. My sleep is better too. I don't need caffiene in the morning (never thought that would be the case) and I didn't even have caffiene withdraw. I also was battling dry (and bleeding) sinuses before I started the changes and now they are ok too. I feel good.

I just received the recommended supplements for a microbiotic cleansing. This is going to be part of my daily routine. The RD recommended a few products. She likes Shaklee - they have a website. I ran it by my doctor before ordering and he was all for it. I am taking Herb Lax, Optiflora (with its powder too), another product to cleanse the blood and one to cleanse the liver. The RD and I had a long discussion about the importance of a healthy bowel system. This is where it starts. Clean everything out and put in good fuel and keep the cycle going.

She also explained that there are differences among the supplements in the market. Some have no real benefit, but just are a lot of filler or sub par ingredients. She recommended Shaklee because they are about as pure and true as you can get. They are also not over priced and they have great customer service.

Yes, it is hard work to keep track of it. But, when I first started working out, that was a challenge to so I image this will just become routine.

I hope that helps! Good Luck!

 

[kryptychyck]

>Isn't it funny that you mentioned this ... I decided to do
>the same thing and had my first consultation with a dietician
>last week. Prior to our appointment she had me fill out a
>12-page questionnaire about my health and habits. It asked
>about all kinds of things, including whether you suffer from
>poor memory, PMS, constipation/diarrhea, low energy, frequent
>urination, feeling drowsy after high-carb meals, insomnia,
>excess gas, headaches, chocolate cravings, salt cravings, cold
>hands/feet, late-night binges - anything you can think of!
>Based on my answers, she prepared a profile for me and she has
>given me an initial set of "homework". My next appointment
>with her is next week and we'll be discussing my specific
>goals, reviewing the food diary I'm keeping this week, and
>setting up an eating plan for me based on my goals, my
>exercise habits and nutritional shortcomings as identified in
>the questionnaire results.
>
>This particular dietician works out of a high-end health club
>to which I had won a one-month membership. I know of at least
>one other gym where there is a dietician on staff. It's
>probably possible to find one through the internet or perhaps
>via a referral from a family doctor.


Hi,

We discussed the same things. She took notes on my health history and any issues that I had. We are going to design my meal plan on my next visit (Friday). I am excited for that.

RDs are hard to find - I was referred through my insurance company in the alternative health section. It is a shame that they are not more accessible for people. Doctors don't always know or have time for these discussions.

Good luck and I hope you achieve all of your goals!