How to Diet During a Workout Plan Part One

Dieting is difficult. It's not easy and it takes a lot of willpower. This is why I am going to tell you how to diet during a workout plan and still keep your sanity. This is a two part blog, so this first part is going to focus on beverages and dieting.

Dieting is MORE important than Exercise

What? Yes, you read that right. Dieting is more important than exercise. Many people are committed to their workout routine but do not understand the importance of healthy eating. I have friends who have been working out for months and still have yet to reach their goals. The problem is that they think they can eat whatever they want, whenever they want. If most people chose to eat healthier options consistently, they would lose majority of their excess weight without ever stepping foot into a gym. Here are some simple tricks to help cut hundreds of calories out of your diet and eat healthier.

Don't Drink Your Calories

This seems pretty simple right? Well it is, but you would be surprised how many people gain hundreds of extra calories just by what they drink. Let's take a look at some drinks I consume on a weekly basis and how many calories are in each: 

Tim Horton's Medium Double Double: 100 calories

Starbuck's Pumpkin Spice Latte Grande Size: 380 calories (120 from fat)

Glass of Orange Juice 250 ml: 100 calories

Medium Coke from Mcdonald's: 220 calories

Budweiser Beer 12oz can: 145 calories

With the exception of the coke and the pumpkin spice latte, I consume at least three of each of the other beverages in a week. So what is that as a grand total? 1,645 calories, and I was modest about the beer! To put things in perspective, there are 2,200 calories in a pound. So when I'm not dieting, I'm consuming an extra 1,645 calories in beverages alone. Wow. And don't even get me started on how many grams of sugar are in each of the above drinks...

Cutting Out Unnecessary Calories

Calories from beverages add up so how can you track them and cut back? One great way to keep track of your calories from beverages and calories in general is with the myfitnesspal app. This app has a database of hundreds of foods and beverages with the nutritional facts and calorie count included. It allows you to track how many calories you consume, what you are eating, set weight loss goals and even record calorie deficits.

Slow and Steady Wins the Race

The idea is to start small. Cutting out high-calorie beverages gradually is the best way to maintain your new health choices. If you quit drinking coffee with sugar and cream right away, you will feel terrible and fall back into your unhealthy ways in about a week or two. Instead, cut down to one sugar first, then no sugar, then milk instead of cream. This will make this process easier and bearable. Also, DRINK LOTS OF WATER!

But I Hate Only Drinking Water! What do I do?

Easy. Add some flavour to your water. No, not crystal light which is either full of sugar or aspartame. Add lemon or fruit like raspberries for some flavour. Still not enough flavour? Try Xtend by Scivation. Xtend is great because it helps with recovery during workouts and has lots of BCAAs (Branch Chain Amino Acids). BCAAs are also great for burning fat, not to mention Xtend has zero carbs, calories or sugar with eight different flavours to choose from! So you can drink it even when your not working out!

Xtend by Scivation

You Always Need a Balance

If you never treat yourself to that Pumpkin Spice Latte you'll go insane. It's something you enjoy so feel free to have one every so often. Treat it as a reward for your hard work. Remember, you always need a balance when it comes to dieting. 

Please feel free to share any of your dieting tips or feedback below in the comments section!

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