Where’s your attention (have you “suddenly” gained weight?)

I got so involved in a project over the weekend so much that I hardly paid any attention to what I was eating.

That is very unlike me. Normally, I am very aware of what foods I eat, especially  making sure that I get enough protein (at least 30 grams every meal), but this time, I wasn’t thinking about it.

After the day was over, I realized that women who have “suddenly” (not sudden at all) gained 10, 20, 30 or more pounds are very likely simply not paying attention to what they are eating, how much water they drink, their sleep, etc. and then one day, they see themselves in a picture or their pants don’t fit any more and they wonder “how did this happen?”

Now, I know.  They were just weren’t paying attention to what they were eating or drinking and simply ate what was easy and tasted really good (think: hyper-palatable processed food-like items).

Careers, family, hobbies….all of these things were humming along and filling the days and there was likely no time to think about health, fitness or food.

If you think that might describe you, the advice I give is now is to slow down and pay attention to what you are eating and drinking. Start writing it down – Wow, is that eye opening! – and begin to make adjustments.

Does every single meal have a minimum of 30 grams of protein? This is the amount required for muscle protein synthesis. If it’s less than 30 grams, new muscle cells are not going to develop.

Are you eating vegetables? Micro-nutrients and fiber help your body run optimally.

Are you drinking mostly water or are you drinking diet soda/Snapple or alcohol? I primarily consume water, not drinking much of anything else (sometimes tea or coffee)

What time do you go to bed? Is it usually by 10 p.m.? Or are you a night owl, staying awake until the wee hours? Your cortisol will remain elevated and your growth hormone and testosterone will stay depressed if you awake after 10.

I wanted to give you some things to think about and pay attention to.

The change you’d like to see in yourself  starts with paying attention and being aware of your current habits.

Get the basics down, first. That’s your foundation to being healthy.