Sometimes, our days do NOT go as planned. We measure our food out into our containers, prepare the snacks, and pack our lunch back for the day ahead. Then, something happens.
An unavoidable work lunch comes up, or we forget our food in the car. For whatever reason, the pre-portioned meals we worked so hard to prepare are out of our reach.
So instead, we adjust, we order a balanced meal and do our best to stay on track. Even if you tried your best to stay on track, you may not hit your goals as you had hoped for that day.
Your fat may be a little high, your protein may be a little low–that 40/30/30 breakdown that you tried so hard to meet is now out of reach. We often hear the question of what to do in this particular scenario.
Let’s say that your protein count is low at the end of the day. You are at 25% instead of 30%. You may be tempted to eat something additional to get to that number.
If you are significantly low on protein, you might have a protein shake to ensure you are getting enough protein to promote building lean muscle mass.
I recommend that you ask yourself this simple question:
Are you actually hungry?
While it is important to have goals, we do not want to become so focused on the numbers that we are not listening to our bodies as well. If you are eating food to meet the numbers, but you are not feeling hungry, that is also counteractive to your goals.
Instead, focus on balance. Strive for your goals, but listen to your body. If you are short at the end of the day, do not binge or eat more just to get to your numbers. Review and reflect on what you did that day, and adjust for the next day. If you are full and satisfied but you have left over carbohydrates and fat at the end of the day, we recommend that you reflect on how to balance out your day. A good goal is to get within 10-15% of your macronutrient goals for the day.
For those of you still on the fence about our upcoming nutrition challenge, the time to act is now!
Spots are filling fast for our 28-Day Nutrition Challenge, and I want to make sure you don’t miss out! These four weeks can get you on the right path toward your goals. The Challenge kicks off on February 2nd, and will go through March 2nd.
Through the Challenge, you will have access to custom meal plans, technology to make tracking so much simpler, and a community of people with common goals to support you. Beyond having the tools and knowledge to successfully reach your goals, I will be right next to you every step of the way – you don’t have to figure this out on your own! I am your partner, and I look forward to guiding you through this process.
Ready to sign up? Register here: crossfitcypher.com/ignitenow
If you have any questions please let me know as soon as possible – I look forward to hearing from you!
To your Continued Success,
Coach Don
