Nutrition - The keystone of a Balanced Lifestyle
Good Nutrition Creates Good Lifestyle Balance
Let me tell you about Mark, a close friend of mine who could not believe the impact that nutrition had on his lifestyle. Mark was like my typical personal training clients on the Wirral. He had a high-stress job in the finance sector, and like many of us, he struggled to keep the plates of work, fitness, and family time spinning.
A few years ago, we caught up at a Starbucks on the Wirral to find out what was happening in each of our lives before we reached the usual deep and profound discussion on The Reds (Liverpool Football Club, if you didn't know).
While we were putting the football world to rights, I watched Mark sink his second sugary, fat-filled caramel latte. I said, 'Are you seriously having another one of them?' He then told me that he found himself exhausted at the end of each day, so he 'needed' this to get him through. Causing me to raise an eyebrow, he then mentioned he had no energy for his kids or wife and absolutely zero enthusiasm for his fitness goals.
Mark told me his diet consisted mostly of takeout food and whatever snacks he could grab during brief breaks. However, during a routine check-up, his doctor noted that he had high blood pressure and advised him to fix his diet.
Further raising my eyebrow, I said, 'So you think this is the answer?' Mark's reply was, 'Well, I'm not eating that much, so this coffee is fine.' I'll spare you my response, but I'm sure you can guess.
After the strong talk I gave Mark, bolstered by the doctor's advice, it was a wake-up call to sort his act out. He started simply swapping out highly palatable processed foods for whole foods, drinking more water, and preparing balanced meals at home.
Over time, his health improved, and he also found he had more energy to enjoy life, from playing football with his kids, spending better quality time with his wife and finding the energy to muster some time for exercise.
Mark's experience illustrates a powerful truth: nutrition doesn't just fuel our bodies; it fuels our lives, enabling us to live each day with more energy and enthusiasm.
The Impact of Nutrition on Lifestyle Balance
Nutrition and dieting are often envisioned in the context of weight management or physical health. However, this is perceived as a negative view and one we need to change. Food is the fuel for how we look, feel, and perform in life. This outcome dramatically impacts how we balance our lifestyles. It's important to note that you need to make nutrition work around your lifestyle and not vice versa. I discuss this in edition 3 of the Fit Body Code Flexible dieting article here.
Well-structured nutrition stabilises mood, increases energy levels, improves the look of our bodies, and enhances physical and mental performance. Here are two pivotal studies that display the broader impacts of nutrition:
Improved Cognitive Function: A study published in Frontiers of Public Health found that individuals adhering to a diet rich in antioxidants and low in processed foods showed improved cognitive function. This enhanced cognitive ability translates into better decision-making and productivity at work and home, facilitating a more managed and fulfilling lifestyle.
Stress Reduction: A review published in the Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews demonstrated that diets high in fruits, vegetables, unsaturated fats, and protein significantly reduce stress levels. Lower stress levels improve overall quality of life, making balancing personal, professional, and social responsibilities easier.
When you're in an excellent mental and physical state, you can give your all to your kids, partner, work, and friends! If you want three simple strategies to decrease your stress and overcome any barriers on your fitness and life journey, watch my short video from edition 3 of the Fit Body Code Newsletter. Click here.
My passion is to help you!
As your friend and someone passionate about helping people achieve their fitness goals and become the best they can be through the Fit Body Code, I can't stress enough the transformative power of good nutrition. A simple switch with the foods you eat can suddenly change the entire picture of your daily life… So get to it!
Three Nutritional Strategies to Enhance Life Balance
Here's how you can start integrating effective nutritional habits that support a well-rounded lifestyle:
- Strategic Meal Prepping
Invest a few hours each week in preparing wholesome meals. Remember, this isn't about dieting—it's about crafting a week where you're fuelled for success in everything you do. Meal prepping ensures you have the energy for morning meetings, time with the family, and time for your physical health and fitness.
- Mindful Eating Practices
Be present during your meals. Focus on the textures and flavours, and pay attention to your body's satiety cues: "Are you hungry or just craving?" This practice helps prevent overeating and ensures you consume for nourishment rather than a mindless reach for convenience foods. Moreover, sharing these meals with loved ones can strengthen relationships, further enhancing your lifestyle balance.
- Balance Macronutrients
Each meal needs to include a balance of protein, carbs and healthy fats, with a priority focus on protein. This not only supports sustained energy levels throughout the day but also helps maintain a stable mood, sharp mind, and fit body. These benefits help contribute to a more balanced day where you can effectively manage personal and professional demands and look and feel in great shape!
Most of my clients struggle to eat a diet high in protein to reach the recommended target of 2.2g per KG of body weight. So, if you need high-protein meal ideas, feel free to download my high-protein recipe book here.
Conclusion
Integrating good nutrition into your life is about more than just health—it's about enriching the quality of every day. By making thoughtful choices about what you eat, you're not just nourishing your body but setting the stage for a more productive, enjoyable, and balanced life.
As you continue to explore the principles of the Fit Body Code, remember that nutrition is a fundamental principle that supports everything from your physical strength to your mental clarity. Let's get focused on your nutritional journey to deliver you a great body and balanced lifestyle!
Contact me at [email protected] if you want to improve your nutrition and support your body and lifestyle goals.
Keep fit, lean, and strong.
Lewis