It Ain’t About The Ass, It’s About The Brain!

It Ain’t About The Ass, It’s About The Brain!

On the 30th of July, 2015 news.com.au (http://www.news.com.au/technology/science/scientists-have-synthesised-a-new-compound-that-mimics-exercise/story-fnpjxnqt-1227462206077) published an article heralding the synthesising of a molecule that tricks cells into thinking they have performed rigorous exercise, claiming that a functioning weight-loss pill could soon be on its way.

All I can do is shake my head in dis-belief.

And then, a day or so later, this quote from Lena Durham pops up, “It [exercise] has helped me with my anxiety in ways I never dreamed possible.  To those struggling with anxiety, OCD, depression: I know it’s mad annoying when people tell you to exercise, and it took me about 16 medicated years to listen. I’m glad I did.  It ain’t about the ass, it’s about the brain.” 

I want to stand up and give this lady a standing ovation! In that last sentence she captured what a health and fitness journey is about. To take her words, “It ain’t about the ass, it’s about the brain!”

Part of this brain chemistry is the nutrition that you put inside of your body. After a recent health scare that I had, I was advised to eat food almost depleted of fibre.  Food like white bread and corn flakes, tinned soups and food that I would not normally eat.  Initially I thought, ‘Yay! At last, carte blanche to do what I have wanted to do for such a long time.’ But you know what? After less than a week of eating this way I was so over it. My body was not used to being fueled by less than adequate nutrition. These foods were calorie rich and nutritionally empty.

Another way of explaining it is putting diesel into a petrol engine. It may initially drive a distance but then it will just refuse to start, and you will have to flush the whole system at a considerable expense.

So, how do you align your newly discovered health and fitness vision to a vision of eating in such a way that you fuel this journey of yours optimally? Feel free to read one of my previous blogs: https://thrivefitness.com.au/blog/how-visualisation-leads-to-actualisation

You EDUCATE yourself.  Stop reading up about the newest miracle pill that promises to melt away your body. Stop buying all the supplements that promises to replace the food in your cupboards. There is a world of possibilities when it comes to food. Beautiful, colourful and nutritious food.  You ask yourself the question, “What will happen if I do eat food that is beneficial to me?” You will get the answer, “I will have energy, I will feel less bloated and I will be able to think clearer.”

To start off your education on nutrition, let me give you some basic information.

According to Cassandra Forsythe, the author of The New Rules of Lifting for Women, a ratio of 40/30/30 (carbohydrate/protein/fat) is a good starting point when planning your meals.

Remember, not all carbs were created equal. Go and have a look at the foods that pack the biggest bang for your buck. Carbohydrates are used to fuel your muscles. Too much and it gets stored as, fat.

Protein plays a major role in muscle building. The benefits of sufficient protein intake are numerous.

And lastly, you have to say this with me, “Fat is not bad for you.” Let’s repeat it, “FAT IS NOT BAD FOR YOU.”  But just as with carbs, you have to remember that not all fats are equal. If it says hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated, PUT IT BACK ON THE SHELF. Go for olive oil, coconut oil, nuts, seeds, avocado, wild-caught fish and free range animal products such as butter, cheese, yoghurt, beef and poultry.

As you fuel your body with proper nutrition you will find that your brain, especially your inner dialogue, may start changing, and you will be less worried about the ‘ass’  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7PCkvCPvDXk) and enjoy focusing on the journey.

For more information on everything you need to know about cars, protein & fat, go to: http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/changingshape5.htm

Would You Like A personal Nutrition Plan?

I will help you optimize your health & fitness (turning you into a more –fat-efficient burning machine) by devising a personal nutrition plan based around your working day. Cost is $55. Simply call or email me on: 0437 314 920 or [email protected]