I’m often asked questions like, “You’re already thin and fit, why do you bother eating clean?” or,  “Do you really eat the way you have your clients eat during your online bootcamps?” Before I can answer those questions I want to lay a good foundation and explain why I eat the way I do.

Growing up, I ate a ton of crap! I had high blood pressure and dangerous blood sugar levels, all throughout high school. I ended up on blood pressure meds and didn’t realize that wasn’t a normal thing until college where I looked around to find that I was the only college student I knew taking those kinds of meds.  So I began doing research and making changes to my diet. I soon felt happier, less anxious, and more emotionally stable. In addition, I had lowered my blood pressure significantly and was able to wean myself off the blood pressure meds.

But, I was still really confused. There was a lot of information floating around regarding diet. Much of that information conflicted with my experience, or with other nutritional information I had read.

Things really shifted for me after I had Emma. I developed some significant food sensitivities to eggs, gluten and milk. I hadn’t really had issues prior to pregnancy, but was often doubled over in pain after consuming those foods post-pregnancy. So I did some more research and transitioned over to a Paleo lifestyle. As I cut out certain foods, I found myself feeling considerably better.  I began to see a change in my energy levels, stomach discomfort and overall mood. The change was so significant that I truly believe it would have been negligent of me not to share the information I had learned with my clients.

Here’s the bottom line regarding why I bother eating clean: I owe it to my family, my business and my clients to be my best, most energized self. This body of mine is not a rental. I only get one body.  So I feel it’s my responsibility to take care of it to the best of my ability. I wouldn’t put mud in a Rolls Royce, so I am not going to fuel my body with anything less than what is truly best for it.

Want to Clean up Your Diet?

If you want to clean up your diet, I recommend you start logging your food for a few days. As you are logging your food, go ahead and log your feelings as well. Mark down how your body is feeling (headache, bloating, stomach pain) and your emotional state (happy, peaceful, stressed, overwhelmed). Seeing the connection between your food and your feelings is a powerful tool that can lead you towards a cleaner, healthier diet.

So, Amanda, How Do You Actually Eat?

• First, you should know that I eat the exact same way my FASTer Way To Fat Loss clients eat.
• Second, I always eat gluten free and dairy free. I do eat gluten occasionally, but I am very intentional about when and what I eat when I do.
• Third, I practice intermittent fasting. I usually don’t “break my fast” until around noon. Throughout the morning, I stay hydrated with lots of water, BCAA’s and some herbal teas.

Here’s what a typical day looks like for me:

Wake up-noon: Teas, Water, BCAA’s

Lunch Time: Almonds, Chicken Lettuce Wrap

Dinner 1: Cobb Salad with homemade dressing (lime, honey and oil), Meatballs (homemade)

Dinner 2: Fish Tacos (tilapia) with Guacamole and veggies

While this is a low-carb day sample, whole, gluten free foods are the foundation of my diet, every day.

I truly believe that women are the catalysts for healthy living in their families. It is so important to pair your research with what helps you feel your best. If what you are eating is getting in the way of work or family, then it’s time to start making some changes.

If you feel like you need more support with nutrition and how to effectively pair it with workouts, I’d love to have you join me for my upcoming FASTer Way to Fat Loss Bootcamp, beginning January 9th. Hundreds of women have gone through this program and have experienced greater control over their food choices, increased energy and significant fat loss. If you want to look and feel your best going into 2017, this program is truly a perfect fit for you. Sign up here.