Naala Inc.

So, today I’m embracing healthy living and starting my clean eating and fitness regime. My energy is super low today (PMS) but I’m still determined to start this journey off on the right foot. Here’s a breakdown of day 1 ~ feel free to post questions and comments – better yet, join the fit feminista journey with me!

10 : 00 am

ice cold water with psyllium
1/2 grapefruit, 1 slice of rye bread, 7 egg whites and 1 whole egg mixed with some oxtail gravy and meat, sliced tomato

WHY DRINK A PROTEIN SHAKE WITHIN 30 MINS OF WAKING?

When you wake up, your body is in a catabolic state in which it is breaking down muscle for energy because you haven’t eaten for 6-8 hours. Drinking a protein shake as soon as you wake up will give your body the energy it needs and fire up your metabolism so that you can start burning fat instead of muscle.

Protein is essential for muscle growth and repair. If you want to slim down, the ultimate goal is to lose fat and build muscle. In order to make sure that your body is not using your muscle as energy, you must consume protein.

One way of calculating the amount of protein you need is to convert your weight into kgs and multiply it by 2. This number represents the approximate amount of protein you require to maximize muscle growth.

I weigh 138 lbs.
138 lbs = 62.7 kg
62.7 kg x 2 = 125.4 g

Therefore, my daily protein requirement is approximately 125.4 g .

• Have a protein shake within 30 mins of waking up
• Eat every 3 hours and include protein in each of your meals.
• Always consume protein within 30 mins of your workout.
• Have a high-protein late night snack to help your body recover and rebuild while you sleep.

Source: http://www.motleyhealth.com/diet-and-nutrition/protein-timing-for-maximum-muscle-growth#ixzz1kIoxtxCp

WHY DRINK PSYLLIUM WATER BEFORE EVERY MEAL?

Psyllium is a fibre similar to oats and wheat. It is extremely high in soluble fibre and is often used as a gentle bulk forming laxative.

Personally, I like the jelly consistency that is formed when psyllium is added to water. Not only does it add a little character to your water but it also adds weight to the waste in your intestinal tract which helps to decrease the amount of time your body takes to rid itself of toxic substances.

Psyllium is also beneficial for weight loss because it makes you feel full and reduces hunger cravings. There are studies that have also linked it to lowering insulin and blood sugar levels in people with diabetes and preventing colon cancer because of its ability to detoxify the colon.

• Add 1/2 tsp to 2 cups of ice cold water 30 mins before each meal to help fuel weight loss

Wish me luck,
Tiffany

Now if you know me, then you know that for the past two years I’ve been talking about competing in a fitness   competition. For those of you who don’t know me personally, here’s a heads up about what you’ll hear me ranting and raving about in my health and nutrition section!

Yes, it’s true … I have been talking about it for two years now but the time has finally come!!!!! I’ve been dibbling and dabbling in clean eating and strength training on and off for at least six months. However, today I realized I can spend forever and a day saying I’m going to do it and can I spend hours researching how to do it but, there’s gotta be a point where I commit 100% and GO HARD! So today, is the day!

A couple years ago, I fully committed myself to two months of clean eating and consistent workouts in order to fit into the bridesmaid’s dress for my best friend’s wedding. It was weird though because although, I had done a lot of dieting in the past, there was something about this particular time round that really got me excited. Being able to feel the difference in my strength and stamina was so fulfilling. It was at this point, that I decided that I would work towards competing in a fitness competition by my 30^th birthday.

So … enough with the talking — it’s now time for some action! Starting today, I will FULLY COMMIT to clean eating and consistent workouts. I can’t wait to share my fit feminista posts and look forward to getting tips, feedback, questions and comments from all of you fabulous feministas.

Toodle-loo,
Tiff