Precision Nutrition

Yesterday I ordered a new gourmet cookbook, which is also designed to keep you lean.  I love the basic principles of Precision Nutrition......recipes that taste amazing, but are actually good for you!  Check out the site: http://www.precisionnutrition.com/products/system  I think the system is great for anyone, but I really recommend it if you aren't sure of what you should be eating.  It takes the guesswork out of things, and gives you some basic principles for success:)

The difference between skinny and fit

(At a fashion show, feeling good in a sleeveless dress thanks to my resistance training!)

When I was in my early 20's ( ummm, which I still am?:) I wanted nothing more than to be skinny, rail thin in fact.  I ran an hour every day, and my diet, left a lot to be desired.....I was hungry, a lot.  I was constantly moving up and down with my weight, and not just a few pounds, most likely because my body was trying to find a healthier weight for me, and I.....was trying to look like a fashion model.  Funny thing is, no matter how much I tried, I was never going to look like a couture model, and everything that I was doing, was tough on my body and my mind.

Now that my workouts are largely resistance based, whether it be weights, or a body weight workout, I have seen huge changes in my body.  Having a healthy amount of muscle under your skin gives a beautiful, healthy appearance and makes you look "toned".  That's right...to be toned, you must carry a healthy amount of muscle!  I am by no means big, but I am also not thin and frail.  When I look at side by side pictures from when I was "skinny" to now when I'm athletic and toned....the difference is pretty amazing, and appearance wise, I think the majority of people would choose my current look over the one from my past.  I would compare the past look to Lindsay Lohan, and the current one to Britney Spears in her heyday.  The best part about a fit, healthy, lean look?  I eat 6 meals a day, and I'm never hungry.  This is so much more enjoyable and easy to maintain than constantly feeling that I need to deprive myself.  I clearly watch what I eat, which I think is true of most lean people, but I enjoy life so much more:)

What is your goal?  Skinny or lean and healthy?

* Photo courtesy of Jeff Baker

Dieting and saboteurs

One thing that I have always found, is that the closer I get to my goal....for a photo shoot, or vacation.....the harder it gets to stick to it.  Now part of this is just the fact that I have been being really consistent on plan for a while, and I miss certain treats....but the other factor is something that everyone should be aware of:  Not everyone in your life actually wants you to be successful in your dieting efforts!  Certain people will suddenly tell you that "you should stop now" and perhaps even drop off some of your favorite treats.  It could be your boyfriend, best friend or co-worker, it could be anyone.  That said, the reasoning behind what they are doing could be perfectly innocent, but whatever it is.....as long as your goals are reasonable....stick to them.  Of course I hope that your goal is to be fit, and healthy, not rail thin and emaciated......so within reason, accomplish your original goal.  It's not always easy, but just be aware that there will be an obstacle course ahead of you before you can really get what you want.  If it were easy, everyone would look great!

Traveling and eating healthy

Oh and that's Teddy my teacup yorkie in my suitcase....he already knows I'll be away, and he isn't happy!

Ok, so I'm packing for California....West Hollywood here I come:) and guess what?  Just because you are on vacation, your eating can still keep you lean....but.....it's going to take some effort and some room in your suitcase.  When I travel, I pack food, or go to a grocery store to put some things in my mini fridge in the room so that there's no excuse for eating tons of junk.  Here are things that I like to travel with (or buy upon arrival).

• Nuts
• Single serving protein powder
• plain, instant oatmeal
• apples and grapefruit (I buy there)
• All natural cheese sticks
• Crystal light (in case there is only yucky hotel water handy)
• Greek yogurt (haha, I wouldn't try to pack this......)

This way I can stay on plan, still eat out.....and I'm not starving the entire time I'm on vacation.  Interestingly enough, I often come back leaner after a vacation!

xoxo