Like most people, when I first started working out I wanted to get ripped. Growing up I was always skinny, but my first semester of college left me with some extra warmth for winter.
I started working out and fell in love quickly. Getting stronger in the beginning and having that “outlet” for myself drew me in.
But, I also wanted to see results in my body.
Flipping through the bodybuilding magazines, I realized a significant emphasis placed on nutrition.
This started to cause a little anxiety for me because at the time I was an EXTREMELY picky eater.
I didn’t like ketchup picky.
Tuna, cottage cheese, sweet potatoes, broccoli…
No way!
But, I knew I had to make a change from Ovaltine, easy mac, Pringles, and bread. Junk was 95% of my food intake.
The emphasis on protein in the magazines and lack of protein in my diet was the first thing I noticed. So, I figured since they say chicken is protein and I like chicken nuggets… problem solved.
I stocked my freezer with those Tyson breaded chicken nuggets and patties. I made sure each meal to have some.
At first glance this is laughable, and many trainers would yell “wrong.”
But, it was a step in the right direction.
I was learning proper portioning and improving. My diet was lacking protein. Protein is a foundational nutrient and getting an optimal amount is essential in building your body.
Chicken nuggets have protein. (Being covered in bread and fried in oil gives them a ton of extra calories. :))
So, I didn’t get ripped…
…at first.
I did start to gain some muscle, felt my workouts improve, and did not get as hungry all day.
Then, I got a George Foreman grill. The chicken nuggets morphed into frozen chicken breasts that I cooked on the Foreman’.
Making the chicken grilled was another improvement.
Down the road, I learned to eat veggies and tons of other foods. My severe picky-ness completely disappeared as I realized it was all in my head. That food is well, just food.
Eventually, I got pretty ripped and confident enough to step on stage for a ‘fitness model’ show. (I know, I know…)
Without starting the protein habit via my chicken nugget’s, it wouldn’t have been possible.
WHAT TO DO
Improve your nutrition through habits.
Don’t worry about perfection.
It is a journey and progress is what we are after. Not perfection.
Have three protein based meals a day.
Don’t worry about everything that goes into your mouth at this point. Develop the habit of having a palm-sized serving of protein with each meal:
· 3-4 eggs
· Fish
· Meat
· Scoop of protein powder
Ideally; grill, bake or poach the fish and meat…
But don’t stress it if you are currently eating muffins and pasta all day. Just get some eggs with the muffin and some chicken in the pasta.
Make that a habit; then you can work on switching the muffin to an orange and the pasta to some broccoli.
Reframe your mind from changing as soon as possible to changing gradually and staying that way for life.
Want To Learn More?
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