Normally I hate generalizations. They often over simply and aren’t helpful everyone.
However, after working with hundreds of clients certain trends do start to emerge. I’ve found that most people’s diet lacks in at least one of two areas. And frequently both areas.
Protein & Vegetables
Don’t stop reading now because you’re tired of me talking about protein and you’re tired of health professionals trying to get you to eat more vegetables 🙂
Before you discount either one of these as your problem, assess if you’ve ever really tried to hit the recommended target for either.
For protein, we’re talking about .8 grams of protein per pound of bodyweight. (If you don’t strength train this could be more like .7)
For vegetables, 3-5 servings each day. Ideally with an array of different colors.
With both of these things consistency is also important.
- If you’re trying to build muscle, your body needs a consistent supply of protein to build and recover that muscle. And also if you’re trying to lose weight, your body needs protein to help hold onto lean muscle mass so that it loses predominately fat.
- If you’re trying to get all the vitamins and minerals you need, a wide array of vegetable is best. Also, if you’d like to be more regular in the bathroom a consist fiber intake is very beneficial.
Do you fall outside of this generalization? If so, let me know in the comments what you think your diet is missing 🙂
Great advice Katelyn.
With respect to getting more vegetables into your diet, what is your perspective on vegetable juicing…is that an effective way to increase your vegetable intake on the run?
Great question! So juicing (assuming it’s pure juice and not juice + a ton of sugar) can be an easy way to get a lot of nutrients quickly, however putting things in a smoothie, or better yet eating them whole, is best because then you also get all the fiber and fullness benefits of actually eating your vegetables 🙂