Women's Physique

Q. What are some foods people should absolutely avoid to chisel their physiques and stay healthy year-round (e.g., artificial sweeteners, Big Macs, deep-fried foods, etc.)?

A. First, let me say that there will always be people that will make you wonder how they stay in condition because they make such poor food selections. You will see a lot of early twentysomethings who abuse their genetics and bodies by feeding them garbage. They still look good because they have some decent genetics, but they could look way better if they ate better. They will also be healthier in their later years, which won’t be the case if they keep up the horrendous eating habits.

Another thing I want to mention is that you’ll notice that individuals who appear to be pharmaceutically enhanced can push the boundaries as to what they can put in their bodies and still achieve results. These individuals are tricking their bodies metabolically by introducing these compounds. When people ask me about this, my response has always been, “Trust me, if they’re putting bad gas in the tank, then no matter what they’re doing, it will likely catch up to them eventually.” It can manifest in heart attack, diabetes, stroke, liver disease, or cancer, to name a few consequences. It’s not just the bad food that is “bad gas.” The pharmaceuticals are too, and they carry risks.

If your goal is to get chiseled, you have to make great nutrition a priority along with the training. You won’t get shredded on a diet of potato chips and chocolate bars. It’s my business to help people look amazing but live healthy and vibrant lives. You have to put clean fuel in the tank most of the time to look great and feel the body on a cellular level. You are what you eat, and you are what you absorb. How strict you’re going to be depends on your body and how fast you want results.

There are periods of time where 100 percent commitment may be needed such as in contest prep. Other times, it may be 80 percent clean with 20 percent flexibility or 90 percent clean and 10 percent flexibility. The best result can be attained when you make use of all three phases. It allows time to cut stuff that’s not ideal completely and also time to enjoy a little here and there.

If you want serious results fast, then 100 percent or 90 percent on is where your clean eating should be. Fast foods really don’t have a place in a “get-ripped plan.” You need to feed your body the best fuel derived from nature, and fast foods are loaded with preservatives, by-products, toxic fats, poor proteins, refined carbohydrates, sodium, and much more. Focus on having homemade pizza or homemade burgers for your cheat instead.

You can control what the food selections are (e.g., organic, whole wheat, low-fat cheese) and actually still indulge while delivering some sound nutrition. There really is no place for trash food or fast food if you’re planning to be shredded in 12 weeks’ time. It will get easier the longer you stay away from it, and you may even notice that when you eventually do have some, you no longer enjoy it. Those foods are made in such a way as to appeal to our palates and draw us back for more. Be stronger than that if you want your results.

Don’t fall victim to the dark plan of the fast food industry. They really don’t care if you have a great six-pack, so let that be your choice!

To read more by Tammy Strome click HERE!