Happy Valentine's Day to you and your Special Someone. I hope it's filled with romance and sweetness or cooties or whatever. Hey, I don't really know your preferences so hop, skip and go crazy, it's another economy-stimulating holiday.
The K.I.S.S. reference in my title seemed appropriate considering a lot of extra k-i-s-s-ing is probably going on today. I think about all that spit-swapping and think "Ew, spit." More appropriate to the venue I think about the title of this post and warm to the realization that keeping things simple is truly the most effective way to accomplish my goal of losing another 22 pounds before my birthday. Simple as "1, 2, 3" as in the 123 pounds I've lost during the past 38 weeks. Simple as in this morning's smoothie which, not including water, has a whopping three ingredients and tasted pretty good.
1 Banana
1S EAS Premium Protein
4 Frozen Strawberries
Water
When I analyze my whole weight loss endeavor I realize that it is an incredibly simple thing. Honestly, there is nothing to it. Success comes from eating right, eating less, and moving more, Simple as 1, 2, 3. And why wouldn't it be simple? The body needs so little variety added to it to survive- air, food, water. Beyond those three little things, in their purest forms, there is little else truly necessary- and the greater the purity (and simplicity), the better.
Supplements? You have to wonder. How could adding something to your diet cause loss? You would think that a balanced diet of healthy food would supply all you need. Why consume something additional- especially if you're trying to lose weight? Some advertisers would like me to believe that I can eat as much of whatever I want as long as I add their product/program to my life. I think a better approach is to take a look at your complete diet and use supplements when necessary nutrients are unavailable but always, always consume only what is necessary to maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle.
Now, I say all this with a certain amount of hypocrisy. I use protein mix in my morning smoothies and I take a small assortment of vitamins. I justify the protein mix by calling it a replacement for a Sausage Biscuit w/Egg and hash browns from McD's (a prior morning ritual). I'm pretty good at eating a healthy variety of good foods (in moderation) throughout the rest of the day, so the assortment of vitamins I take probably do little more than produce expensive urine. I imagine the benefit is more psychological than actual.
The gist?
My focus for the remaining 113 days is centered on effective simplicity. Eat less, move more, drink plenty of plain water and get adequate rest. Make adjustments as necessary and record the experience. In other words, "Pucker up, Steve, we're gonna kiss."
Great advice.
I thought it was interesting that you had alcohol as one of the catagories with fat carbs and protien. I never realized that alcohol ranks between fat and carb/protien with 7 calories per gram. But you probably already knew that. Good site.
I take a few supplements - approved by my doctor of course first - but some do help, not for weight loss per se but over all nutrition and health, such adding flaxseed which adds needed essential fatty acid to your diet, or a TBL of Salba to my oatmeal which is a really nutrient rich whole grain.
Smart advice Steve.
I've often told my clients that I could write down everything they need to know about fitness on one 'Post It" note.
1.Train intensely
2. Eat smart
3. Get enough rest/recovery
Do these, lose fat.
Don't...keep the fat.
Best,
Coop