[KylieH]

I looked into a couple books that were recommended. I even subscribed to Oxygen! It's great. Some of the exercises are a little to hardcore for me right now, but it's a great read and it gives me some great ideas.

I've been trying to do the 5-6 balanced meals, but it's been a problem since I spent so many years thinking that getting into shape means dieting and dieting means not eating very much! Oh, those old messages!

HA!

[SASCS]

I have read many places besides Oxygen magazine that looking good is 80% nutrition and 20% exercise. I am really having a hard time getting my mind around that one. I would rather work out, than diet. I have been tracking what I have been eating for the last three days on FitDay and I am really surprised that my ratios of protein, carbs, and fat are good and my calories are staying within 1500 and 2000. Even with driving through McDonalds this morning and getting an order of hotcakes with no butter and syrup I was still okay ratio and calorie wise.

[Sugar Cube]

Getting the exercise and the food going at the same time is a real challenge to me. I know what I am supposed to be doing - I need to do it.

Do much better with lots of planning ahead over the weekends. I know that the whole pizza tastes like one slice, now to believe it.

[KylieH]

I couldn't agree with you guys more. I keep waiting for the moment when I get both nutrition and exercise in sync. I fluctuate between good and bad days with diet, but I'm pretty stead on working out. I agree, it's much easier! HA!

While I don't go after junk food much anymore, I think my biggest challenge is portion control. I'm not a good calorie counter and I think it shows. I bought an Ornish diet book that claimed you could eat as much as you want. Nice concept, but it didn't work for me.

[kerlster]

Originally Posted by KylieH

A number of folks mention "clean eating." I'm curious about what that means exactly. Can anyone suggest a good book that might explain the concept and practice is?

Thanks!

I think that clean eating means eating good carbs like yams, sweet potatoes, brown rice, eating lean proteins, non-starchy veggies, no sugar, no dairy, etc. I know that I have read articles in Muscle and Fitness magazine that reference cleaning eating with respect to preparing for a contest (probably doesn't apply to the vast majority of us).

Someone mentioned Body 4 Life which is good, I also found that female fitness competitors eat this way as well (Muscletech website). I'm doing the 6 Week Body Makeover (obviously, it's taken me longer than 6 weeks!) which I would consider to be "clean eating."

I have to admit, when I stay on plan, I feel energetic and my mind is clear. There's so much crap put in prepared foods nowadays that has made America addicted to food and feeling like caca. (just my opinion)

Like some of the others, I wish that I could be more consistent with the weight training and cardio like I am with the diet portion. It's true I have more energy eating right, but apparently energy does not equate to motivation. Bummer...LOL

[aymster]

I also suggest the Tosca Reno book! It's so good!

I just put a noted reminder on the fridge that says, "Eat Clean"!!