Progressing on a Fitness Program: Nutrition

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Success on a fitness program is dependent on not only following an exercise pattern rigorously but giving an equal if not more attention to proper nutrition based on your goal. Many times individuals starting an exercise program may not see results that they expect and start hopping from one exercise program to another. In situations like these they usually forget to check their nutritional intake, which may the reason for their slow or in certain cases extremely slow progress.

Some common reasons for nutrition becoming a limiting factor for many during a fitness program include time, budget, not knowing where to start, quantity of food, type of food necessary, timing of nutrient intake, food preparation, etc. There are also some individuals who start relying on nutritional supplements solely as their chief source of nutrients and show only a casual attitude towards whole foods thereby depriving themselves of the benefits that whole foods may offer.

If you get stuck on a fitness program or plateau, assessing or even reassessing your nutritional intake may prove to be beneficial.  Things like knowing your daily/weekly caloric intake, daily/weekly energy expenditure, macro nutrient ratios, micro nutrient intake, water intake,  electrolyte balance, etc. are some tools you may find to be worthwhile during your fitness journey.


Note: Before starting/changing an exercise and/or dietary/supplement program consult a qualified doctor/health care professional.

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