Tuesday, January 22, 2013

10 Simple Nutrition Habits To Get More Out Of Your Yoga

"nutrition habits"
Do you ever have one of those days where everything just goes haywire? 

One of those days where despite the very best of intentions, your plans to eat clean and lean fly out the window, lost somewhere in a blur of annoying little tasks and big scary panicky ones? 

 When I was working 70+ hours per week as a personal trainer, days like that were the norm. I'd somehow manage to start my day 5 minutes late despite the fact that I lived a 10 minute walk from the city gym I worked at, and I'd spend the rest of the day fighting to catch up. There was always time for coffee of course, and an afternoon stop at the Melbourne Central candy store. 

My trainer colleagues thought it was hilarious that I'd sit there eating a couple of Reese's Peanut Butter cups most afternoons in the staff room before heading out to scold another client for their indulgent weekend. 

Somewhere in the midst of creating a profession for myself as a wise source of all things nutritious and healthy I forgot to set up nutrition habits to match my own busy lifestyle. Regardless of whether or not you've ever dispensed nutrition advice to others I'm sure you can relate to the concept of not quite practicing what you preach on occasion. 

For me, since then, and after finally having enough of insomnia, constant colds, panic attacks, and just feeling pretty crappy, I've made a concerted effort to develop smart habits that allow me to stay on track nutritionally even when life gets crazier than crazier. 

Bikram classes - as I'm sure I don't have to tell you - are one of the most rewarding ways you can spend your time, but they are also very time consuming! Which is why it's worth while installing some basic smart nutrition habits to get more out of your classes and support your goal of a healthier you in 2013!  Enjoy.

10 smart nutrition habits you can't live without

1. Pre-cut your vegetables. Do it at night after you clean the dishes, in preparation for the next day. Or do it in the morning. It takes 5 minutes, but the perception of a job already done when you get home the next night is incredibly satisfying. AND it will ensure you eat them :)

2. Pre-make your Green Smoothies. I make 1.5 litres worth twice a week. Even lazier than making it at night for the next day, but it works a treat. I drink it after breaky whilst driving to work, or after training with my protein. Sometimes both.

3. Keep the basic 10 in the house at all times. Just do it. You'll never have an excuse not to eat well.

4. Nut out a quick weekly meal plan, or at least a quick 2-3 day meal plan. It doesn't have to be a spreadsheet! Just jot down or at least mentally note what you plan to eat over the next few days. Make a note of the stuff that needs to be cooked, and make a shopping list accordingly. Obviously it makes sense to do this plan before shopping!