My Top 5 Fitness Tips!

I'm often asked what my favorite exercises are or what my diet looks like. The truth is, when it comes to fitness, there are no magic supplements or quick fixes. There are, however, some basic rules/tips that will significantly impact results. You gotta start somewhere- and remember, perfection is not the key... Consistency is!! Here are my top 5 basic fitness tips:

1) DRINK 1 gallon of water per day. (You will be in the bathroom often!)

2) EAT 1 gram of protein per 1 lb. of body weight every day. That means if you weigh 140 lbs., you eat 140 grams of protein a day.

3) EAT 5-6 times a day. (I eat small meals at 8, 11, 2, 5, and 8. You have to prepare ahead for this.) Eating smaller meals this often keeps your metabolism working at it's highest, fat burning, potential. Don't go below 1,200 calories per day or eat 2 huge meals a day.

4) WORKOUT. Strength training is not only great for muscle growth and tightening, but muscle burns fat! Plus the curves they create are sexy! The treadmill is overrated! You can burn calories and keep your heart rate up through weight training. Your workouts should last 45 mins to an hour and you should be sweaty and exhausted by the end. Don't take long breaks between sets and lift HEAVY.  *Lifting doesn't make you bulky....cupcakes do.

5) Sleep! This is the best way to recover from workouts, burn fat, and reduce stress. 8-9 hours a night is optimal.

As you may have noticed- I mentioned nothing about restricting your diet or completely cutting out beer and ice cream. You can have those.... But if you are eating the proper amount of protein, everything else kind of falls into place. You are less hungry and have less desire to fill up on junk. If you are trying to lose weight- try to seriously restrict your alcohol.... But mainly, follow the 5 principles.
Getting and staying fit shouldn't be that complicated. It's actually very simple. These 5 principles may seem like common sense, but I promise- if you follow these tips for 3 months, you WILL see progress. It's all about consistency over time.

Peace and love!