Should you be eating pasta?

pasta (Photo credit: flavorrelish)

I have to admit that I love pasta. But, as a gut-fearing personal trainer, I definitely have to choose the lower GI, nutrient dense whole-wheat variety. During training phases that require or allow for higher carbohydrate intake (higher volume training) I'll eat one whole-wheat pasta meal per day. During other phases (like where I'm trying to lose fat), the pasta stays on the shelf in favor of a higher lean protein, good fat, and fruit and veggie intake.

Restaurant Portions

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Restaurant potions tend to be huge. To help control your portions ask the waiter to immeditaly put half of your meal in a take home box and the bring the rest to your table. Chances are that half portion will satisfy your hunger and you can save the remainder for another day.

Muscle and Weight Loss

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Even when your sitting still muscle burns more energy than fat. So weight training is a very essential part of a healthy weight loss/maintenace program

Preventing Shin Splints

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To prevent or relieve shin splints, stretch and strengthen the muscles of the lower leg.

Consider A Charity Fitness Event

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Consider registering for a charity fitness event (e.g. a walk that benefits a specific disease). This will help provide you with additional motivation to get more fit because you will have a specific goal to achieve on a pre-determined future date. With that date looming over you, it will help you stay motivated to get more fit in time for the event. Plus, you will also be helping a charity.

Is Your Ab Workout Effective?

Abdominal Crunch with Oblique Twist 2 (Photo credit: Scott & White Healthcare)

When doing abdominal exercises be sure to concentrate on using just those specific muscles. And, think about pulling your belly button to your spine, which will make the exercise more effective.

What Are The Benefits of Exercising?

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Remember, there are numerous benefits of regular exercise besides just losing weight. So, don’t base your fitness results purely on whether you are losing pounds or inches. Other important factors include having more energy, sleeping better, increased stamina and increased endurance. Or, even simply being able to walk up a flight of stairs without getting as winded