As a natural bodybuilder, I have learned the importance of healthy
living. Most people make the assumption that a person with a developed
physique is less than intelligent. Not true! Think about it.
Who has more intelligence? A person who chooses to abuse their bodies
with alcohol and drugs and feeds it anything with no regard for
its nutritional value or a person who commits themselves each and
every day to proper exercise and diet? How many people do you know
who speak negatively of a person who looks "well developed" and fit?
The reality is that natural bodybuilders are a minority in a society
that prides itself on living in excess. Natural bodybuilders and
fit conscious people are the most misunderstood people around. Why?
Because what we do is not easy. Because what we do makes no sense
whatsoever to the majority of the population! If you have ever done it,
you know exactly what I mean. Many people see what we do as ridiculous!
Why suffer through the day to day struggle with eating right when you can
eat
that greasy, fat infested hamburger at the local fast food joint?
Why not drink the entire six pack of beer during the game? Waste not,
want not right? Many people actually believe this philosophy is
normal. Eating right and exercising regularly is not a struggle.
It is a matter of priority and can become as "normal" as you want
it.
We must change our definition of a normal existence. Is it
normal to overeat on every occasion possible? Is it normal to
pollute our lungs with massive amounts of carcinogenic smoke with
warning labels telling you that you could die from it? Is it okay to
accept as normal the fact that most companies provide two 15 minute smoke
breaks throughout the work day. However, those same companies frown upon
those who would rather have an extra 30 minutes during lunch to exercise?
I remember I was told by someone in the gym once that I needed to get a
life. The
person actually assumed that being in the gym and eating properly was not
living! Boy am I glad to have a strong mind and did not let that deter
me.
I recently went on a cruise and, of course, one of the main cruise
attractions
is the quantity and endless availability of food! As a bodybuilder, and
many may tell me that I'm the only one who would think like this on a
cruise, I
found it very interesting that passengers were required to specify, in
advance,
any special dietary needs. The food "normally" served was high in
saturated fat and high in simple sugars. Why is that normal? Because
that is how we have defined "normal". With all the foods available,
how hard would it be to provide an alternate menu for fit conscious
passengers?
In the beginning, I found it very difficult to eat properly. I craved all
the bad things that I loved so dearly! Pasta, mmmm...spaghetti!! Bread,
yummy...garlic toast! High sugar cereal, yowwww...Fruit Loops with Sugar
Corn
Pops! I failed miserably on several occasions trying to rid myself of
the uncontrollable urge to indulge in all those delicious foods. I would
rationalize by telling myself that, "I need to load some carbs" or "One
bad meal won't kill me". Problem was that when I had one bad meal, I
usually
had a huge serving or one bad meal turned into two bad meals which turned
into three and so on... Also, I didn't realize the negative effects of
ingesting excessive simple carbs and fat! It was so easy to lose control
since I had "normally" eaten like this for as long as I could remember.
I knew nothing else.
As my interest in being fit became more important,
primarily due to my desire to be the best bodybuilder that I can be, I
began to place more attention on how I ate and what I ate. I read many
articles in major health and fitness magazines and the Web. I even went
to the extent to find the most current Glycemic Index (GI) chart. I was
determined to make eating properly a "normal" part of my life. It has
been a constant learning process and it has made me even more interested.
Paying attention to what I eat, how much I eat, and even when I eat has
given me many rewards! My energy level has increased substantially. My
overall muscular development has improved. My body fat percentage stays
in a very favorable range. I feel more confident and alive than ever!
What did it cost me? The only price was deciding to make fitness and
nutrition a priority in my life. I recommend that everyone try it!
It can't hurt right?
If you decide to make eating properly a priority,
please promise me one thing. Promise me that you will commit to the plan
and stick to it for about 6 months. What I will guarantee is that you
will
realize how easy and normal it can be. Based on your goal and if you have
selected that right exercise and nutrition plan, you will make remarkable
progress towards achieving your desired success.
One of the greatest
benefits
that I have found by committing to a nutrition-filled diet for an extended
time period is what I call, "Lower Threshold of Gratification". This is
an
effect that occurs from the fact that your body has adjusted to a new
"normal" diet and requires very little in the way of over-indulgence.
For instance, I periodically have that urge for "something extra".
In the past, that "something extra" was a piece of cake and/or pie
and/or cookies and/or ice cream. After maintaining a consistent and
nutritionally balanced diet for a such lengthy time, I can satisfy that
urge with a simple bag of fat-free popcorn! Thus, I have attained a
much lower threshold of gratification! Please remember, it only works
if you have conditioned your mind and body to its re-defined version
of normalcy. That is what I call "normally fit".
Before closing, I want to express to each and every person who reads
this that change is a constant. We do, however, have the ability
to control and manipulate "change" to some degree. Deciding
"what" to change must be the initial focus. Next, it is important
to discover "how" to change. This is the most difficult and
time consuming part. "Why" to change is up to each of us to decide.
Don't let the "why" be a result of bad news from your physician!
"When" to change is again up to each of us.
Again, thanks for reading and remember this...
Delbert
"Never regret yesterday because it cannot be changed;
Instead make sure today does not become a regret of tomorrow."
--- Steven Jacoby
wnbfprofessional@aol.com
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