Bloated? Ask Yourself These 3 Questions...
Scenario:
If you've ever been trying to lose weight, 9 times out of 10, you've felt that your midsection was at least a part of the problem if not the main problem. So you start eating better, working out like a crazy person, running, cross-fit, body pump, ab circuit, steam room, repeat... but you're not seeing results like you think you should. So reluctantly, you start the dreaded diet. You go out and spend all your grocery money on what you think will keep you on the straight and narrow, "diet foods". 2 weeks later, still nothing in the midsection. You feel better, workouts are bearable, but you can't SEE it. So now you're frustrated and ready to give up, say F*** the whole thing and head to the store pick up that half gallon of ice cream you've been missing.
STOP! Before you do, ask yourself these 3 questions...
1. Are you consuming extra sugars that you don't realize?
When you picked up your "diet foods" You picked up granola bars (because it's better than your breakfast donut on the way to work), instant oatmeal with the flavors already added, yogurt with the honey and fruit already in it (to curb your afternoon snickers craving), raspberry vinaigrette dressing for your salads, and a pack of energy drinks to get you ready for your workouts. These are just a few sources of hidden sugar. Take a second to check the labels before you buy! They taste good for a reason!
2. Same question, but with salt.
On that same shopping trip, you also picked up frozen, pre-cooked chicken breasts and turkey patties, frozen dinners to microwave for lunch at work, pre-seasoned fish to save you time at night, 100 calorie packages of popcorn for snack time, and don't forget the cheese (even dairy free) to go on your salads. All of these foods may be better than you getting fast food, but they can also become counterproductive if overused. Again, check those labels!
3. How is your water intake?
Now this one can be a double edged sword, but try to follow me... I know every trainer (me included) and every dietary guideline you see will tell you to consume more water, and you absolutely should, BUT If you're consuming too much salt, or too much sugar, AND have increased your water intake significantly, it can actually make your midsection look WORSE! So if you think you were frustrated after the workouts didn't seem to help, wait until you think you've changed your diet for the better and find out you've actually been fighting yourself the whole time!
Takeaway:
If this feels like an attack, just know that you're not alone. It's much more common than you think. Bottom line, READ THE LABELS! If you feel lost or confused, don't be afraid or embarrassed to ASK FOR HELP! Talk to a trainer, dietitian, or health coach to get more specific advice for you and your goals. It's better to ask for help than feel like you've wasted your time and money!
I'm India, a certified personal trainer, nutrition coach, and most importantly, an actual person who enjoys eating like everyone else! I'm here to help make your fitness journey more efficient for YOUR lifestyle...
Let's chat!