It has been a while since I last blogged. I am currently sitting anywhere between 208-213lbs putting me anywhere between 79-84 pounds down from my start weight. I have been lifting every morning and trying to add 30 mins of cardio 3 times a week. I have been on a plateau of sorts and have been looking for something to get me off of it. My wife has lost 44 pounds and is looking great. She is living a gluten-free lifestyle (She has gluten sensitivities and needed to go gluten-free). Based on her results and the research that I have done, I have come to some interesting conclusions.
Not all carbohydrates are created equally. There are good carbs and bad carbs. The good carbohydrates are often referred to as "clean". I looked at what almost all of these had in common. I found that almost all "clean" carbs contain no gluten. Veggies, fruit, brown rice, beans, sweet potatoes, potatoes, oats, etc. all contain no gluten. There are other carbs that are not considered "clean" such as corn and white rice that are also gluten free. Diets that eliminate all carbohydrates are missing the basic principles and foundations of good health. Carbohydrates are essential to body functions as well the vehicles that transport water, protein and other nutrients to our muscles. The reasoning behind eliminating carbs is understandable, but I think that carbs get a bad rap from the gluten. So while it is essential to eliminate the gluten it isn't essential to eliminate carbs. Finding a balance between protein, veggies and "clean" carbs are essential to good health and are the building blocks to building strong, lean muscle.
I am developing my own nutrition plan based on the these principles. I will still be tracking my caloric intake, but will be more concerned with eating 5-6 balanced meals that are equal parts protein, and clean carbs. I will throw in some green veggies and fruits in at least 2 of these meals a day.
I have decided to blog again for several reasons. The first is to keep myself more accountable, the second is to keep a journal of my progress through this transformation and the third is to become a resource for anyone who is looking to make positive changes to their lifestyles and need help, or just someone to compare notes with. I look forward to embarking on another journey and as always am grateful for the support from my friends and families.
Remember the 3 D's to success. DESIRE to change, DEDICATION for yourself to your program and goals, and DETERMINATION to be successful and reach your goals!
