Food

When I’m approached by someone who wants to know how I look like I do, they always assume it’s the workouts. And while it’s true that the way I exercise definitely contributes to my overall physique, it’s WHAT I EAT that is key.

I can lift heavy 5 days a week to reshape my body and supplement with awesome conditioning for added fat loss. However, I’ll never see the results of all the workouts if I don’t eat right. I’ve carried a good amount of muscle on my frame for over a decade because I’ve been lifting a long time. However, it was all covered up for several years with the upholstery I created from consuming crappy food.

I eat 6-7 times per day, depending on when I go to bed. I eat a serving of lean protein at every meal. Every meal. I no longer indulge in anything I haven’t planned to eat – nothing at work, no kids’ birthday party cake… it’s amazing how much mindless eating I was doing. That said, I DO believe in cheat meals, and think I would have a hard time without them. See Anatomy of a Cheat Meal for more details. I usually work these in during planned meals out with friends or family and special occasions. This allows me to feel ‘normal’ on a regular basis, and not feel deprived.

Taken every morning, regardless of workout schedule: