fit for life (TM)

cookie diets vs how to eat well and stay fit

I’ve been thinking a lot about everyone’s obsession with eating. or rather not eating.  diets.  recently the most popular new diets making millionaires out of some Doctors (Dr.‘s of what?: ripping people off) are the “Cookie Diets”  You heard me. 
You eat cookies. 

the gist of the diet is really quite simple:  Eat very small cookies. + one meal =  lose lots of weight.  hmm..
sounds really healthy to me.  the diets are usually less than 1000 calories a day so forget about moving while on this diet as you will end up in the ER with some serious issues.  Now they will tell you that these cookies are “superman’s cookies” filled with all sorts of goodness.  this actually appeals to me.  I’m pressed for time too.  wow a simple solution.  I don’t think so.  did anyone say renal failure.  or perhaps after a few weeks on this diet you’ll lose almost all the strength and desire to train.  I’ve learned enough to know that if it sounds too good to be true than it is.  besides do you want to eat cookies and one meal forever?  so, when you have to come off the diet will you have learned any great new recipes or ways to keep the pounds off.  not really. 

I have a much better idea:  simply stop eating.  yup. hey if you’re considering the “cookie diet” then why not just forget about food altogether.  drink water.  lock yourself inside and keep 911 on the speed dial.

Ok.  back to reality.

my real advice is this. 
if you’re looking to lose body fat and increase your ability to have fun, and reduce stress: then there is a fun, albeit more complex and demanding way to do it.  and hey you just might learn something.  fancy that.

Move - Play More
6 times a week: 
-3 times doing variable intensity strength training for 1 hour or more if you can handle it.
- Playing with your favorite people.  Try a new dance class, run around, skateboard, learn how to swim, explore.

Eat less - Eat ONLY High Quality Calories - Eat more frequently
When you do eat make good choices: 
- Lean protein:  Ideally: Wild caught Salmon, Organic Turkey, Chicken, lean, very lean organic red meats.
- Complex Carbohydrates:  Leafy Green Veggies (read) Cruciferous vegetables, dense, dark richly colored fruits and berries.
- Good Fats: In moderation: Olive Oil, fats from fish

stay away from: (you got it)  Ice cream, cheese, sweets, simple sugars of every kind, processing goods even organic ones. 
(footnote:  if you train at high intensities, you will need sugar, badly.  pay attention to your carbohydrate intake as you will burn out faster than a votive candle if you’re not careful.)
- And keep a simple log of what you eat and when.  Notice the times of the day when eating is a problem: cookies, etc.

- Reduce Stress - Sleep More
This is the area that most people overlook the most.  Don’t.  It makes a big difference.  Breathe.

I hope none of you are on the cookie thing.  except real ones before you go climbing for 3 hours.