Cleaning up my diet.

I have read a lot lately about the pro’s of clean eating and the con’s of processed foods quite a bit lately. It seems like the topic is everywhere. 

In it’s simplest terms, clean eating means avoiding overly processed, pre-packaged the refined foods. The focus is on eating fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein and good fats. Here is a good list of foods that are part of a clean eating lifestyle.

There a number of benefits to clean eating. More energy. Decreased risk to diseases. An overall sense of just feeling better and more healthy. But on top of this, there’s a growing body of research that shows overly processed foods actually stimulate the brain in the same addictive way as drugs. 

I eat pretty healthy on a day-to-day basis, but there are lots of food in my diet that aren’t clean.

I eat a ton of processed whole wheat bread, lunch meat, granola bars and processed cheese. Hummus is another one on the banned list. 

Another clean eating no-no: aspartame. It’s in my coffee x3 and I’m known for sprinkling it on a lot of other foods. And while there’s conflicting research on whether it’s truly “bad,” I know in my gut I eat far too much.  

I don’t think achieve 100% clean eating is achievable. But what I can do is be more aware and make healthy swaps. I’m going to start with one meal and take a few weeks to clean it up. 

This week I started with breakfast. Instead of three Splendas in my coffee, I used one. Instead of a processed whole wheat sandwich thing with my veggie omelette, I had a banana. I don’t think the whole wheat sandwich thin is the hugest clean eating offender, but it was an easy swap.

I felt just as satisfied and pretty dang good about my choices. 

+++

A Few Other Note on the Day: 

• This morning’s workout was a 10-mile run with 5-miles at tempo pace. My running buddy and I were feeling a bit tired from the weekend. Our tempo splits were 7:39, 7:38, 7:37, 7:25, 7:29. It felt hard but not over the top. I remember when we first started doing tempo that 7:30 sounded scary and felt super hard. We have come along way! Even though I was not looking forward to speed on a Monday, I’m glad it’s over and it sure made 10 miles go faster. 
• I ordered Click Protein last week and had it for afternoon snack for the first time. Omygosh. It was so tasty and definitely gave me a boost when I was in the middle of the afternoon slumps. I am a fan. You should try it. 

How was your Monday? 

I am in love with pre-workout energizers

You guys. I have found a new miracle drink and you have got to give it a try.

I have always been a morning exerciser. I used to be able to bounce out of bed and just go… not so much anymore. I snooze a few times. I dabbled with drinking coffee before runs but didn’t like the side effects. Something had to be done.

After reading raving reviews about pre-workout energizers from Angela and Rhi and discovering Vega Sport Pre-Workout Energizer is sold at Whole Foods, I made a b-line to the nearest store, bought a few sample packets and will never look back.

Vega Sport Pre-Workout energizers are designed to give you a boost/more energy during the workout and increase endurance, overall performance and focus. It’s made with plant-based ingredients and it’s fairly low calorie (plus).

I just mix one scoop with 8 ounces of water 20-30 minutes before exercise. Stir a few times; let it set to make sure it dissolves, then stir one final time.

Vega Sport comes in two flavors – Acai Berry and Lemon Lime. Both taste just ok and they don’t smell weird. It’s a means toward an end, folks.

Here’s what happened to me after using pre-workout energizers and why I will probably never do a morning workout without them again:

• I felt significantly more awake 15-20 minutes after taking Vega Sport compared to coffee or no fuel. Like, wide awake.
• I was chomping at the bit during a warm-up before a speed workout. The speed workout still felt hard, but I felt ready to go.
• I definitely feel more ready to go mentally. It could be placebo effect but I’ll take it.
• These were easy on the tummy. For someone who doesn’t typically eat before exercise, this is definitely a  plus.

I get mine from Whole Foods. It’s also sold at GNC, The Vitamin Shoppe, Vega Sport’s website and several other online retailers. Just type the product name into Google shopping.

From here on out, my life will be split into two clear phase: before pre-workout energizers and after.

Have you tried pre-workout energizers? Dare I ask about the powers of recovery drinks?