In a recent article, Reevaluate and Be Real With Yourself, I mentioned the importance of meal planning in your physique transformation process. While I am sure most of you nodded your head in agreement upon reading that part of the article, do you really understand why it is so important? Did you know there are two major reasons that planning your meals is important: counting calories and avoiding pitfalls.
Counting Calories
Planning your meal ahead of time means just that–complete planning in advance. You have to consider what you plan to eat for the next several days and write it all down. This allows you to purchase the right food for your meals. In addition, it accomplishes something that most people hate to do in the first place–counting calories.
When you plan in advance you should be making sure that you are taking in the right amount of calories each day. It doesn't do any good to plan ahead if you are going to sabotage your goals with what you are eating. I keep a spreadsheet that has 5 columns–food, calories, protein, carbs, fat. I fill that spreadsheet in for each meal and when I am done, I have successfully counted my calories. You could use a web-based program to accomplish the same thing. There are good ones at Fit Day and Livestrong.
With this approach there is no need to count calories as you eat. It is no longer a surprise. You have planned for your calories to be an exact number. This relieves alot of pressure from you. I suggest you try this just for one week and you will be back here thanking me! (I personally thank Tom Venuto for this suggestion).
Avoiding Pitfalls
There is a huge danger to going to parties and sporting events when you are trying to transform your physique. By planning ahead, you will not succumb to the temptations of eating the wrong things. Yes, people will ask you why you are not eating the party food, so just be honest without slamming the food they are eating. I usually say “I'm trying to lose some fat on my body and if I am not consistent I will never get there.” It works. People accept that as an explanation.
The more often you do this, the easier it becomes. I was self-conscious at first, but found that the rewards I am getting far outweigh the looks I get. I know what I want and I am going for it.
Take a Stand
I say you should take a stand right now. Vow to change how you eat for the better. Plan your meals so that you can count those calories and avoid the pitfalls of junk food. Your new physique will make you happy you did!
