What a week!  After receiving the P90X DVD set, I took some time to sit down and read the Nutrition plan that came along with it and the awesome fitness guide!  One of the many things about MDB that impresses me is the time and effort they put into making sure you succeed – whether you are a member or a coach.  In this set of DVD’s, Tony Horton leads the user through a balanced and safe workout everytime.  He always includes a warm-up and cool-down and plenty of water breaks.  I’ll talk more about the workouts in a later post but today I really wanted to address the nutrition plan that needs to go along with any exercise program.  The fitness guide included with this set not only has a formula for determining what your caloric intake should be but it provides various menus along with shopping lists and recipes!  With so many tools at your hands it’s hard to fail.  I will admit that one of my weaknesses is carb overload in the evening.  I tend to not always eat balanced all day and then when I’m cooking dinner I grab a bag of pretzels or crackers and cheese and munch away while cooking!  I knew if I changed this one habit then I would be on the road to losing the extra weight I have.  This tip might help you!  Simply think of ‘one’ food item (or drink) currently in your daily diet that you could easily replace with something healthy!  I started freezing grapes and slicing peppers and cucumbers to have on hand while cooking dinner.  These are both healthier choices and are good for my body!  I’m finding that being part of the MDB team is motivating me not only to change my exercise routine, but to eat healthier so I will have the energy for it all!  It’s never easy giving up something you enjoy, whether it’s a Coke once a day or some crackers and cheese.  I don’t plan on giving up anything.  Moderation is the key, but the most important thing I’ve learned over time – especially as a long-distance runner, is that you must feed your body the right things for it to perform well over time. 

So, my tip for today – try giving up one bad food habit – give up that soda or bag of chips.  Just one small change can translate to significant weight loss and improved body performance over time!  And don’t forget to drink up (water, that is!).