Recently, I was talking with a professional athlete about working out and eating. No, that’s not all I ever talk about, but I don’t think I should write about the care of my Fukien Tea tree until I’ve at least touched on some of what we really do here. But, I’ve digressed.
The athlete I had spoken with is no stranger to working out, and his particular sport is bodybuilding. The sport of bodybuilding is one in which the athlete works to achieve an ideal physique, as determined by competition judges. It requires a delicate balance of building hypertrophic muscles (generally maximized in an “off season,” then progressively leaning the fat down as the competition nears. There are tricks to the trade, both natural and enhanced (for those competitions that allow), but generally bodybuilders remain in a proportionate shape most normal folk would be healthy emulating.
So, with all that being said, and knowing how much physical work goes into building up, as well as leaning down, what do you think our athlete’s friendly advice was? I will tell you. He said, if there was only one thing or the other he could focus on (nutrition or exercise), he would choose nutrition every time. The key to everything is nutrition, in his opinion. I will tell you, I have a few professional athlete clients, and it never ceases to amaze me their dedication to what they do. Looking from the perspective of this recent conversation, I now recall all the times I talk with my other athletes during or after their massage, and the conversation seems to naturally gravitate toward eating.
It isn’t that I didn’t know this information in my head, but having so much confirmation now, I hope to take it to heart. I need to. As you may or may not know, I have recently become a Certified Nutrition Coach through the National Academy of Sports Medicine. That may or may not mean anything in particular to you, or you may have a preconceived notion of what it is that I do. I want to finish this article with a snapshot of what it is that I do to help you achieve your goals (as well as mine; I am currently following my own guidance).
At our first meeting, after you complete the health intake form, I will take your vital information: height, weight, body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage (through bioelectrical impedance), blood pressure and heart rate, taped measurements of your body, and pictures. If you are like me, you may not want the pictures now, but you will be happy to see your transformation. Finally, we will determine your resting metabolic rate, and calculate your caloric needs, based on your activity level. This will tell us what we need to allow for your specific goal.
Next, you will set your realistic goal, with my guidance. We will talk about the macronutrient profile (protein, carbohydrates, and fats) most appropriate to achieve that goal. You tell me what you like to eat, and I will work with you to ensure you meet your micronutrient (vitamins and minerals) needs within those foods. I will help you with some sample meals, and coach you on some best practices of how to shop and prep. If you like to shop online for later pickup, I will go through it with you, if your chosen store has what you need.
After all that, you are not left high and dry. You will have my number to call or text anytime, or email address if you prefer. I am your coach. I will recommend you come in for follow up once per month, and I will explain why that is best. Keep in mind that you can come for massage or training as often as you like. I (as well as my business partner) encourage that.
Reach out on our contact page if you have any questions.