As a coach and nutritionist I often get asked many questions regarding health and wellness almost everywhere I go.
I also get random people at parties and networking events giving me a detailed breakdown of what they eat and their current exercise plan…But we’ll save those stories for another time.
Since many of the questions I get are the same, I thought I’d answer the most common questions I get asked. That being said, I don’t like to make generalizations. Everyone’s physical, emotional and nutritional needs are very different. And there is so much to consider like your hormones, digestion, activity level, stress levels, dietary restrictions and food preferences.
I’ve put together what seems to be the 4 most burning questions people have regarding health and wellness, and answer them in a way I believe to be the most beneficial for the largest amount of people.
Here we go.
How many calories should I eat?
We’ve been fed a lot of food lies and this is one of the biggest ones- All calories are created equal. In my opinion, calorie counting is a waste of time. First of all, the quality of your food and calories is über important! Focusing on calories ignores the fact that all foods, when broken down into macronutrients (protein, carbohydrates and fats) are metabolized and used differently. And more importantly, each macronutrient will have a different effect on your hormones.
And most people counting calories, are not eating enough healthy fat, which is essential for health. Fat keeps you fuller longer which can help curb your cravings, improves your metabolism, makes your skin glow, and helps your body absorb other nutrients- specifically A, D. E and K.
Should I focus on Cardio or Strength training to lose fat?
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been asked this question from new clients or people I meet at a dinner party- especially women. And you know what, I’m not surprised. There is so much conflicting information and we’ve be told for so long that calories in vs calories out is the most important equation when it comes to fat loss. As we’ve been fed the calorie myth, we have also been fed the cardio myth.
The secret to fat loss is being consistent with resistance training and maintaining blood sugar balance. More muscle mass boosts your metabolism -so the more you lift the more fat you can burn.
Also, if you’re slaving away on the treadmill all day and starving yourself, you’re body isn’t going to have the fuel it needs to build muscle. This is also a recipe for destroying your hormones and increasing stress. Not to mention, you’ll probably feel like shit and will not be consistent with your exercise plan.
Before you start emailing and tweeting me about what I just said, I’m not saying you should never do any. Cardio, in the right quantities and at the right intensity can help with fat loss. But there is a big difference between a 20-minute HIIT session a few times a week, a de-stressing hike or bike ride, and doing back to back spin classes or getting on that treadmill everyday for an hour.
What are your kitchen staples?
I love food and trying new recipes, and I try to eat in season as often as possible-higher in nutrients and easier on the wallet; so what’s in my fridge and pantry changes often. But there are a few things that I always have in my kitchen no matter what.
Coconut Oil – I add it to my smoothies, add it to oatmeal, bake and cook with it.
Leafy Greens – Kale, spinach, chard, collard, arugula (whatever I could find or am in the mood for that week). In a salad, sautéed, in smoothies or juiced. They are inexpensive and back a serious nutritional punch.
Lemons – For everything. I add it to water, salad dressing, fish. It makes everything takes better.
Avocados – Again, For everything. In my smoothies, in my salad, on toast, as a salad dressing, or with a squeeze of lemon and salt and eat it with a spoon.
Raw nuts – A quick and easy snack and I can take them anywhere.
I don’t have enough time, what can I do?
This is probably the number one question I get asked. (Technically, it’s part question and part excuse.)
Here’s the deal-you’ll never get everything done. There will ALWAYS be more work that you can finish. More emails to send, more laundry to fold, more taking care of others that you can do. (I’m talking to you mamas!) But, making small shifts everyday that help you create a healthier balance, is possible.
What makes this question so difficult to answer is that it’s usually not about the tips and tricks I teach my clients. That’s part of it, but there is usually something deeper.
To better answer this question please take a look at these two posts:
- How to create more balance. You can find it here.
- How to practice self-care. You can find it here.
If you would like more detailed information about your personal needs, please schedule a call here.
In the comments below, I’d love for you to share the biggest action step you’ll take from these answers.
Un abrazo,
Ana
