Self Sabotage: " I Workout To Eat Whatever I Want"

Since I can remember, I have always heard people say, "I workout to eat whatever I want". Nowadays, with all the added sugars, fats, other preservatives, & calories....eating whatever you want is like lighting a candle at both ends. Your only setting yourself up for failure.

Our bodies are like machines, they need energy to work efficiently. The fuel our bodies use for energy is carbohydrates. Carbs have become the enemy because, people do not understand the difference between good and bad carbs. In addition, the majority of the population eats too much carbs and bad carbs in general. 

Good Carbs:

• Have 5 grams or more of fiber in each serving.
• Delivers phytonutrients, vitamins, & minerals
• Whole wheat breads, pastas, brown rice, yams, sweet potatoes, green veggies, and other plant foods.
• Fruits, fresh squeezed juices, & natural sugars (unrefined)

Bad Carbs:

• Low in fiber
• High in refined sugars & added sugars (sweets, pastries, chips, & sodas)
• Processed foods: (White breads, pastas, rice, & high fructose cereals)

According to WebMD, the average U.S. Adult eats 20 teaspoons of sugar each day. Even worse, our children and teenagers are eating up to 29 teaspoons a day. Eating too much carbs can lead to diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer, & other terminal diseases. 

You only need your carbohydrates during the first part of your day for your body to function. After 5 pm or depending on what time your day starts, you do not need them unless before a workout. Remember, carbs are fuel and if it is not used it will be stored as fat. So if you eat a plate full of carbs at night, then guess what...you have just gave yourself come extra unwanted pounds. 

When you are going out to eat, pick one carb to eat. Make sure 1/4 of your plate has a healthy protein and 1/4 of healthy carbs. 1/2 of your plate needs to be green veggies. The darker the better, because they are loaded with vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants. For example, the typical Mexican plate has tacos or meats with rice and beans. The tortillas, rice, and beans are carbs! So pick one out of the bunch.