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4/28/2019

What If Everything You Need To Lose Weight Exists On Your Wrist?

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Person pressing button one white smart watch

Can A Smart Watch Really Help Me Lose Weight?

When trying to shed pounds, there are a plethora of factors that can make or break your endeavors. Regardless of the way you go about it, in order to see true results you have to TRACK your progress. If you just leave it up to your own judgment,  it is highly likely you are going to miscalculate the results and thus waist time and effort that could have spent doing things the right way in the first place.

While there are numerous apps on your phone that will provide you the information you need, and the accuracy can be pretty spot on depending on how you utilize the program; we feel that logically it makes sense that the best information would come from a device that is constantly attached to your body (IE Smart Watch OR Smart Shoes)

With that being said, we are the biggest fans of Smart Shoes, Smart Socks and of course Smart Watches. Basically anything that has constant contact with your body and can register the information for you with little input required on your part. This is important because the more you have to stop and think about how you are doing the more you are taking away from the "moment" which will only leave you with lackluster results. 
Screen of phone showing heartrate and time

What Should I Be Tracking When Training?

No matter what kind of exercise you are performing, you need to be able to measure your progress to be able to make the necessary adjustments and improve, otherwise you will inevitably fool yourself into thinking you are making progress when in reality you are not.

​While there are specific metrics one should follow for each type of exercise they perform, the general over all metrics one should be concerned about is; heart rate, calories burned and how much weight was lifted (or how fast you performed the exercise in the case of cardio). By keeping track of those three you will be well on your way to making gradual improvements each time you enter the gym granted you train hard. 

With the smart watch, your heart rate and calories are automatically tracked so that leaves you with only the weight or time to keep track of. This can easily be done by using an application such as my-fitness pal (yes we're a big fan of this app haha) or just keeping a simple journal using google docs so that it can be accessed from your phone.  
Woman in black leggings measuring waist with tape measure

How Can I Use This Information To Lose Weight?

There is a good reason we chose the three metrics in the section above as the most important and there is a good chance that you are at least tracking one of these if not all three. Here is the best way to utilize the information to your advantage:
Calories Burned​
We will start with the most obvious, which is the calculation of how many calories (energy) you have burned during the exercise that you performed. If you want to lose weight, one of the most fundamental rules is to ensure you are expending more energy than you consume. To do this you must first know how much energy you are burning while you are going about your normal routine which is  colloquially known as your TDEE (Total Daily Energy Expenditure), if you are curious on how to calculate this check this article out.

By having a gadget connected to your body that automatically tracks your calories burned, it should be no issue ensuring your workouts burn enough calories to help you meet your weight loss goals.
Heart Rate
In order to burn the most energy and push your self to attain new heights the next time you enter the gym,  you need to confirm that you are pushing your body to its absolute max without reaching the dreaded point of "diminishing returns". In order to accomplish this, there is no better metric to keep track of than your heart rate. 

When measuring your heart rate, you need to first calculate what your appropriate resting rate is and use that calculation to ascertain what "zone" you are in (Click Here For A Great Diagram of The Zones). To calculate your resting rate, take your pulse early in the morning and count how many beats occur within 20 seconds, then multiply that number by 3.
Performance
This one is some what of a no brainier but we like to be thorough. The simple truth is, if you are looking to improve, well, you have to IMPROVE. That means lifting heavier weights each time you go to the gym or beating a personal best in terms of time when it comes to endurance training. 

​The saying, "if you do what you've always done then you'll get what you've always gotten" rings ever true when it comes to training so you have to do everything you can to get to that next level.

As stated earlier, performance can easily be measured by simply keeping a journal however for the sake of simplicity and convenience you may want to use a smart app that also tracks other metrics as well.
Woman doing exercise with dumbbell

How Can I Use This Information To Increase Performance?

If you are looking to manifest some serious change in your life,  you can do so just by taking the three measurements listed above and using them to your advantage. Utilizing the information that is gained from the calories burned during your work, your heart rate zone and of course your progress will empower you to make intelligent choices on how to proceed next to get the result you desire.

​To give you a real life example, just a few months ago I had a major dip in my progress in weightlifting. I checked my form and ensured I was getting to the right point heart rate wise and still had issues. It just so happened that was around the same time I began this website and I had neglected to utilize the food tracker in my Myfitness Pal app for almost 5 days. Once I got back on the app it turns out I had gotten into a bad habit of skimping my protein needs in the morning so by the time I got to the gym I was DRAINED. I made a simple adjustment to my diet and the RESULTS WERE AMAZING. 

Where ever you are in your health journey there is a good chance the key to the next level is hiding behind a slight tweak in your performance. You will never be able to catch this without first keeping track of it in the first place, so get on it now!
Man wearing black smart watch with glowing numbers

Which Smartwatch Is The Best For Me?

When deciding what smart watch to choose there are a couple of factors to keep in mind. Below we have listed our top choices based on price, performance and popularity. Check them out and see if one of them is a good fit for your style. 

High End Performance

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Fitbit Versa Smart Watch
If your looking for the "Royls Royce" of Smart Watches the Fitbit Versa is everything you could dream for and a little more. This Smart Watch doesn't just track your heart-rate and steps but will even go so far as to monitor your sleep patterns and has a unique setting depending on the particular workout your performing that day. 

​The Fitbit Versa has so many features, going over each one in detail would cause this review to dwarf the other two so we have opted to list them out:
  • 15 different exercise trackers
  • GPS Tracking
  • Sleep Monitor
  • Syncs with Apple and Android Devices
  • Sports Tracker
  • Water Resistant up to 50 meters
  • Apps that provide update on sports and weather

Naturally the price tag for this gadget is going to be in the triple digits ($179.86 to be exact) but considering this may be the only Smart Watch purchase you will ever need to make, the price is not outlandish, especially if you are a serious​ athlete. 
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Most Popular

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LETSCOM Fitness Tracker 

If your goal is to simply track the main metrics and skip all the bells and whistles than the Letscom Fitness Tracker is your best bet. This Smart Watch will track calories burned, heart rate, sleep schedule and allows you to sync this information in your phone using the 'Veryfitpro' app. 

The Letscom Fitness Tracker is the highest rated among users and we were really impressed with the fact that people reported these watches lasting for YEARS without any problems (this is rare among lower priced Smart Watches). There have  been some complaints in terms of the heart rate monitor accuracy and visibility of the screen outdoors, but these appear to be minor grievances.  

This is a great watch for those who exercise casually and can make a great gift for your kids and loved ones to help them get excited about being active. At the price of $29.99 you can't get a better deal for a fitness tracking watch. 
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Most Affordable

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Damusy Fitness Tracker

If you are looking for the bare minimum in a Smart Watch while still having enough information to help you get the most out of your exercises the Damusy Fitness Tracker has got you covered. 

Although the Damusy Fitness Tracker will not track your heart rate, it will measure the calories burned, how many steps you have taken and keep track of your sleep quality which are all important when trying to improve your health through exercise. It is also water proof.

Damusy provides a one-year replacement warranty and at the cost of $19.97 it is one of the best deals your going to find on a reliable Smart Watch.
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4/27/2019

Have You Hit a Strength Training Plateau? This Could Be The Information You Need.

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I Hit A Plateau...Now What?

It happens to the best of us, your training hard, eating right and taking the appropriate amount of time to rest. Then one day you fail to make any gains in strength, and then the next week is the same nightmare or worse, you've LOST strength. 

If your like 90% of those on the journey to the apex of your physical form, you have gone through the horror described above and if you haven't given up, you've either found a way to push past (GREAT JOB) or still looking for that answer (KEEP READING). 

What Causes A Strength Training Plateau?

Your body is one of the most adaptable organisms on earth and as such, there will be times that your exercise routine will fall behind this ability. There are a lot of reasons that you could be experiencing the dreaded plateau, the chief culprits however are typically:
  • Diet
  • Over-training
  • Improper form
  • Genetics
  • Proper Hydration
  • Mindset

Also, when talking about plateaus it is important to differentiate whether were talking about building muscle or increasing performance strength. While building muscle will eventually help with performance strength, increasing performance strength will not necessarily increase muscle size.  

​For this article we are assuming you are looking to increase muscle size and the below tips are focused on helping you do just that. While performance strength is important, the majority of those who are lifting weights are doing so for aesthetic purposes so the most common frustration stems from building more muscle.

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How Should You Adjust Your Diet?

​It is imperative that you re-evaluate your diet periodically in order to ensure you are getting the results you desire. As you lose fat and gain muscle mass the amount of nutrients your body is going to require is going to increase, failure to re-adjust can easily leave you in a rut as you keep increasing demands put on your body without replenishing it with proper fuel. 

The best time to reevaluate your nutritional needs is during a weigh in. This way you can base your decisions on the most current information and make gradual changes to suit your bodies needs. 

The easiest way to ensure you are getting the right amount of nutrients is to measure what you eat in the first place. One of our favorite tools to do this with is My Fitness Pal by Under Armour, mainly because its database of food items is ENORMOUS and they make tracking macros and nutrients a breeze.

If you are wondering how much macros you need to consume in order to reach your goals, we turn to Bigger, Leaner, Stronger by Michael Mathews:
Lose Fat (Cutting):
1.2 Grams of protein per pound of body weight

1 Gram of carbs per pound of body weight

0.2 Grams of fat per pound of body weight

Gain Muscle (Bulking):
1 Gram of protein per pound of body weight

2 Grams of carbs per pound of body weight

​0.4 grams of fat per pound of body weight ​

​Maintain Muscle (Maintenance):
1 Gram of protein per pound of body weight

1.6 Grams of carbs per pound of body weight

​0.35 Grams of fat per pound of body weight ​
While there is no absolute answer when it comes to diet, the staff at HTTM have personally worked with the measurements described above and we are extremely pleased with the results!

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What Can You Change In Your Training?

If your diet is on point, then the answer could lie in your training. There are a couple of points that may need to be addressed in order push past this plateau. Here is a list of the main culprits and how you can fight back:
Improper Form
​
Failing to follow proper form can not only ruin your potential of getting to the next level, but continuing to push may lead to serious injury requiring a forced break from training which is never desirable.

Improper form does not always stem from a lack of knowledge, even the most well trained bodybuilders after hundreds of repetitions have to take a step back and evaluate how their technique.

​If you train with a partner than every now and then ask them to take a look at your form and compare it to a video showing the proper form, or even better simply have them take a video of you and make the comparison yourself.
Over-Training​
As the old adage goes, "to much of a good thing can be a bad thing", this is especially true when it comes to training. While going hard in the gym is imperative to achieving your dream body, there is an absolute point of "diminishing returns" and refusing to acknowledge this point will only lead you down a path of frustration and possible injury.

What is this point of diminishing return you ask? Well, if were talking in terms of sets, so far research has shown that the magic number for the maximum amount of gains is three. (1) Anything beyond that has not shown to have a significant impact in how you perform in terms of strength however further research still needs to be done.

As far as how many reps you should be doing, we personally suggest moving up in weight once your able to do six full reps. Once you hit that point, add five pounds to each side of the bar and go at it again.

Finally, if were talking in terms of days spent in the gym, rest days are an absolute must in order to allow your body to recover from the damage caused from lifting weights. We personally suggest taking two days off at least in order to get the maximum benefit from your workouts.

Failure to respect your bodies need to recover from intense training sessions will only hinder your progress in the long run, so if you want to reach your maximum potential always take the time to rest.
Proper Hydration
​
​Good ole' h20. We know that water is important just for the sake of daily function but when it comes to performing in the gym water is absolutely essential. If you have not been actively tracking how much water you are consuming there is a very high chance you are not consuming enough, and this will absolutely put you into a plateau. Studies have shown a direct correlation between dehydration and a decrease in muscular power. (2) 

​How much water you should drink really depends on your body weight, as of now the leading opinion is that you should drink a half-full ounce of water per pound. If you are exerting yourself on a daily basis frankly this may need to increase to an ounce and a half per pound of body weight. ​

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Have You Thought About Your Mindset?

Your mentality plays a huge part in determining how hard you will be able to exert your body. Studies have shown that when it comes to willpower we have a finite amount to expend each day. If you are stressed, anxious, or just having an all around bad day this can sap your energy leaving you less able to exert yourself when it comes time to hit the gym. 

Your mind can also allow you to do some amazing things in terms of feats of strength. We have all heard about mothers lifting vehicles to save their children or other stories of people surviving insane tragedies without so much as a scratch on them.

While we're by no means saying to go out and try and lift a car using the "power of your mind" but there was a very interesting study conducted by  a professor Hadfield using hypnotic suggestion and a dynamo meter. In their normal state even a gymnast could only exert about 100 lbs of pressure however Hadfields control group was able to exert over 150 lbs. Its an old book but if your interested in the research we recommend checking it out.

The Next Step:

Now that you have the tools you need to push past any barrier that comes our way check out this article about some of the most common misconceptions about keeping hydrated and how adhering to these can harm your health
Is This Misconception About Water Harming Your Health?

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4/17/2019

These Could Revolutionize Your Cardio Workout

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To men racing each other while crowd cheers on

What Is The Best Shoe For Serious Runners?

When it comes to cardio, what you strap on your feet can make or break your workouts in the long run by ensuring the proper distribution of pressure in order to avoid injury. With 3D printed shoes, shoes integrated with sensors that track performance and even ones designed with special "blades" to help provide support and balance, the shoe industry and modern day technology are constantly teaming up to create innovating new ways to enhance the running experience.

So with all the hype, what shoes are the best? To answer this question we turn to the age old adage, "you can't improve something you can't measure". When performing cardio, in order to get the maximum benefit you should be tracking your distance, speed and heart rate at the minimum.

While there are step tracking apps that you can install on your phone or smart watch, the best information is usually extracted from the source (IE your feet). This is why the products below all have built in sensors that either transmit the information or use it to adjust to ensure you get the maximum experience. 

What Do High-Tech Shoes Track?

Shoes with built in technology have the ability to provide you with real life statistics while you are running. Being able to track your results will empower you to make important decisions concerning how hard and how long you train depending on your personal health goals. 

Here is some of the information smart shoes can provide you in real time:
  • Steps taken
  • Heart rate
  • Calories burned
  • Speed
  • Stride
  • ​Pressure Areas​

Group of people walking on sidewalk

Who Are High-Tech Shoes Best Fit For?

In all honesty, anyone who takes their training seriously can benefit from the information that wearable tech can provide. Unfortunately, in the case of high-tech shoes, while they may be potentially more accurate, the price tag does not make them as economical a choice as say, an app on your phone or smartwatch.

With that being said, for those who are entrenched in the cardio lifestyle deep enough, incorporating technology that automatically transmits the information you need in order to improve makes sense.

​Your power to obtain the results that you desire rests on your ability to track and improve multiple factors such as heart rate, distance ran, and calories burned. By being able to have this information recorded without a second thought, your free to focus completely on your workout.

Another great reason to switch to wearable-tech is to avoid injury. Whether the shoe has been 3D printed in order to provide more support or has sensors build in to tell you which part of your feet are receiving the most pressure, these shoes have the potential to extend your running years a long time.

On a final note, because of the durability of these shoes, there is a good chance you may only have to make the investment one time. (At least until some new innovation is introduced)

What Are The Top Three High-Tech Shoes?

Now that you know the benefits that can be gained when technology and shoes combine forces, lets take a look at some of the top brands that have made this leap. These top three have been given this honor based on multiple reviews as well as its aesthetic quality (no point having awesome shoes that don't look awesome).
Nike Adapt BB Shoe Black

​Nike Adapt BB

The Nike Adapt BB is the latest shoe to be brought forth by this shoe giant. This shoe is actually being marketed for those who play basketball and the technology that has been integrated allows for the shoe to automatically sense the wearers foot and adjust the fit to ensure maximum support.

​Whats even better, by utilizing the Bluetooth app that comes with the phone you can adjust the shoe to fit your preference EXACTLY. Making it the ultimate fit for both basketball players and runners alike. 

The Nike Adapt BB is currently $350.00, however those who have tried and reviewed this shoe say it is worth every penny and we are inclined to agree. 

WORD OF CAUTION: Although these shoes are in the top spot, a recent update has rendered some of them unable to connect to the app. Nike states it is actively working to fix this issue but we have yet to receive any concrete answers.
Check It Out!
Under Armour Sonic HOVR white

Under Armour HOVR Sonic

The HOVR Sonic shoes by Under Armour connect to their app which tracks to Under Armour digital tracker which gives you the statistics needed to ensure you are performing at your max. With the built in technology coupled with the replacement of traditional EVA foam with  Olefin which is stronger and rebounds with more energy.

As far as aesthetics go, the HOVR Sonic is one of the most pleasing which is actually somewhat rare among the smart shoe industry right now (some of them are downright ugly). With the many popular apps Under Armour provides (my personal favorite being myfitness pal) chances are you may already have one of their programs on your phone so integrating the app for the shoe should be no issue.

The HOVR Sonic runs about $110 dollars on Amazon and about $140 for the newest versions available on the Under Armour website. Given the technology that is put into these shoes, and the fact there is a good chance you may not need to purchase another pair for a long time, this price isn't too steep.
Check It Out!
Altra Torin IQ shoe blue

Altra Torin IQ

The Altra Torin IQ debuted in 2017 and has been revolutionizing the way people run ever since. This running shoe has a built in sensors that track everything, from the pressure your food exerts each footfall to your cadence which is fed into a coaching app that is designed to improve your running form. 

This type of information is serious news for serious runners. I can tell you from personal experience that running injuries are NO FUN and any technology designed to help lessen the possibility of injury is absolutely essential. 

The Altra Torin IQ is intended for pavement use,  however they have also created an off road version called the Altra Timp IQ. Both pairs will run you in the range of $200 making them one of the most competitively priced smart shoes on the market.
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4/10/2019

Is This Misconception About Water Harming Your Health?

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Water being poured into a glass cup

When Is The Best Time To Drink Water To Lose Weight?

I was spending time with a couple of friends of mine after the gym the other day and the topic of hydration came up. It is common knowledge that drinking enough water is essential to being able to function, especially if you are lifting weights are putting your body through any form of cardio. However when I googled WHEN to drink water the answers didn't give me exactly what I was looking for.

Most blogs and websites state the best time to drink water to lose weight is during and after a meal, however, according to a study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition; while drinking water during a meal affects subjective feelings of hunger and satiety during the meal, this effect is not maintained after the meal.

What this means in plain speak is that drinking water will only help you feel full during that meal and will have no effect on your appetite afterwards.  A lot of proponents of  drinking water during a meal say this is the best time especially if you are looking to lose weight, but if it doesn't help you with cravings in the future than how useful is it  really?

Black analog clock on counter that reads 3:02

Other Times People Suggest To Drink Water

Besides during a meal, there are several different times people suggest drinking water for beneficial health effects. While they all have logical reasons why that specific time provides its health benefit, we don't believe any of them qualify as the number one time to drink water. Below is a list of the suggested times and their perceived benefits:

1. Before A Workout: Anytime you exert your body and sweat you lose necessary fluids that must be replaced. By insuring you are properly hydrated prior to working out, you can prevent injury and increase your bodies ability to adapt to stress

2. After A Workout: The logic is similar to drinking water before a work out except you are replacing fluids in order to increase your bodies natural ability to recover from your work out.

3. When Your Tired: Because dehydration can cause drowsiness, a lot of websites suggest drinking water rather than a cup of coffee when your tired. 

4. When Your Hungry: When your hungry it could be a sign that your body is craving water, a lot of websites and blogs suggest drinking a couple of glasses of water rather than snacking.
Yellow Dead End Sign

Signs You Need To Drink Water NOW

Make no mistake, dehydration is a truly dangerous threat to our survival and it is imperative we take the necessary steps to protect ourselves and our loved ones from the effects of the sun when enjoying the outdoor.

One of the most dangerous aspects of dehydration is the fact that their are no warning signs. Once you reach that critical stage immediate action is necessary, meaning if you are in the wrong place at that time there is a high chance of death.

Here are some of the signs that your bodies need for water has become an emergency:
  1. ​Inability To Urinate or Urine is very dark
  2. Very Dry Skin
  3. Feeling dizzy.
  4. An increased in heart beat
  5. Rapid breathing.
  6. Sunken eyes.
  7. Drowsiness, feeling lethargic, confusion or irritability.
  8. Hard Time Keeping Conscious
Kitten laying in bed sleeping

One Of The Worst Times To Drink Water

Believe or not, there is a bad time to drink water and that is right before you go to bed.  This is because you are more prone to have the urge to wake up and urinate which can cause serious disturbance to your sleep cycle. When this occurs, you are setting your self up for a whole host of medical issues such as high blood pressure, weight gain, high cholesterol and impaired cognitive functioning. 

Consuming mass amounts of water before bed is typically a sign that someone neglected their hydration needs through out the day which can be dangerous.  ​
Woman facing beach with arms stretched out

The BEST Time To Drink Water For Maximum Health

So now that we have gone over the consequences of failing to drink enough water as well as what may happen should you drink water right before going to bed, it is time to unveil the BEST time to consume water....drum roll please.... ALL THE TIME.

Do you ever wonder why there is no "daily recommended" amount for soda, juices or any other drink besides water? Its because you DON'T NEED THEM. The bottom line is that the majority of drinks out there, even the ones that tout they have healthy qualities, are full of excess sugar that your body just doesn't need. 

If you ensure that %80 of the fluids you consume is pure water, when you drink water should be of little consequence because you will ensure your body is remaining hydrated throughout the entire day. So stop whatever you are doing and treat your body to the most highly recommended drink on Earth, water!
The Next Step:
Now that you are aware of the best times to drink water in order to help lose weight and ensure maximum health as well as the dangers of consuming mass amounts of water before bed; check out the article below on the best ways to burn belly fat through exercise. By combining a rigorous exercise routine and the right amount of hydration you will be amazed at the results you can achieve
Best Exercises For Burning Belly Fat

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4/6/2019

The Whole30 Program: Everything You Need To Know

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Grapefruit, harboiled egg and cherries, with bowl of avocado on wooden plate

What is The Whole 30 Progam?

“There is no food neutral; there is no food Switzerland—every single thing you put in your mouth is either making you more healthy or less healthy.”- Melissa Hartwig.

That quote by Melissa Hartwig, creator of the Whole30 Diet Plan, perfectly encapsulates the reality of the real life consequences that are result of the food items we choose to consume on a daily basis. 

Because our modern day lives are so busy, and often times the need to eat hits while we are in the middle of another activity it is easy to lose tract of what we are actually eating and how it could be detrimentally effecting your health.

Enter the Whole30 diet, this program is essentially a way to hit the "reset' button on your dietary habits and give your body the chance to let you know what it may be adverse to. While there are strong opinions both for and against this diet plan, one can not deny the growing number of people who are reporting positive effects from giving the Whole30 program a chance.

The Whole30 Diet In Detail

​Whole30 is an elimination diet plan . The program promotes the elimination of processed food from your diet, and encourages you to include wholesome food like fresh vegetables and fruits, fish, eggs, and seafood in your diet.

The idea is that by taking 30 days to allow your body to "reset" by completely removing certain "trigger" items from your diet  and then slowly introducing them after the 30 day period, you will learn which foods your body negatively reacts to and therefore, what to avoid.

One of the best parts about Whole30 diet plan is that it comes with its own book that explains the diet in detail and provides a lot of recipes that you can follow. There is also  a growing  support community where you can get ideas and encouragement which is essential when trying to follow a diet plan as restrictive as this.

Bags of different kinds of beans

What Foods Will You Avoid?

Grains: This included all kinds of beans. Avoid Rye, corn, millet, sprouted grains, rice, barley, wheat, and oats. Also, do not consume gluten-free pseudo-cereals likes of amaranth, quinoa, and buckwheat. If you love adding wheat, rice or corn in your diet in the form of starch, germ or bran, you should also cut them. That means you read the labels on the food you buy very carefully.

​Sugar; artificial or real: Honey is best loved because it’s organic. In the Whole30 program, honey is the first one to go. Also cut coconut sugar, agave nectar, Splenda, NutraSweet, maple, Xylitol, stevia, and even date syrup. Some companies sneak added sugar in products. You need to avoid them too.

Alcohol (Even For Cooking): Do not consume alcohol in any form for 30 days. Also, you might want to avoid all tobacco products for 30 days.

Dairy products: Avoid cow, sheep, and goat products. The likes of ice cream,
yogurt, kefir, cheese, cream, and frozen yogurt have to go. Whether organic or not.


Legumes: Legumes include any kind of beans like white, Lima, black, green and navy beans. You should avoid Peas, chickpeas, peanuts, and lentils for 30 days. If you want a better result, avoid peanuts and soy in the form of peanut butter.

​Carrageenan, MSG, and Sulfites: These ingredients are in processed foods and beverages. That’s why all processed food and beverages need to go from your diet.

Piece of raw meat covered in seasoning

What Foods Can You Eat?

Now that you have an idea as to what you will be eliminating when choosing to follow this diet, check out the foods you will be getting most of your nutrients from. 

This shift can be difficult for most people as a majority of these items we tend to eat with other foods (which are most likely not allowed on this diet)


While following the Whole30 plan you will get most of your nutrients from:
  • ​Fresh vegetables and fruits: 
  • Dried fruits in small amounts.
  • Eggs
  • Seafood
  • Nuts and seeds
  • Coffee (Black NO Cream)
  • Ghee (not all) and oils 

What Are The Reported Benefits Of Following The Whole30 Diet?

Millions of people have completed the Whole30 program. Most of them with excellent, life-changing results, according to the Whole30 program’s official website. Some of the benefits people have reported include:
​
  • Improved energy levels
  • Higher ability to focus
  • Youthful, healthier skin and nails
  • Better sleep cycles

For a more in-depth look at the potential benefits of following the Whole30 program I suggest you check out this article by Melissa Joulwan. She is appears to be a strong supporter of the Whole30 movement and having done the diet multiple times, can personally attest to its benefits. 

Doctor with arms crossed holding a red stethoscope

What Do Critics Say About Whole30?

The chief complaint about the Whole30 program is that it is so restrictive it may not be practical for most people to adhere to. Other concerns voiced from the medical community is its high intake of sodium and cholesterol and limiting of calcium.

Whole30 is one topic that most people have a strong opinion about whether they be for or against. Some have even gone so far as to personally attack the creators of Whole30 personally in an attempt to drive their point home. A good example is the excerpt below which is from an article written by registered dietitian Jessica Penner (For the full article click here):


"The authors seem to have arbitrarily chosen foods as good or bad, without looking to science. This isn’t really surprising, since they have absolutely NO background in formal nutrition education." - Jessica Penner (Ouch!)

As for the first complaint, seeing how so many people have tried this diet successfully it may be to harsh of a Judgment to assume most people don't have the self control to eliminate all the foods the Whole 30 diet requires. 

As for the concerns over the large amounts of sodium and cholesterol you may end up consuming trying to adhere to the program, this boils down to your personal health situation.

If you have any concerns, it is always wise to consult a medical professional (preferably your primary care doctor) before making any major dietary changes such as this one.

The Bottom Line

The Whole30 elimination diet is not about weight loss. It's not about dropping some extra pounds or deleting the unneeded calories. Instead, the program is about pinpointing the food that has a negative impact on your fitness and health.

​You might not be allergic to these foods but sensitive. Whole30 provides an excellent program that allows them to partner with you to make sure you get all the nutrients your body need.
 However, you need to stick with the program in order to see any results.

If you search online you are going to find ALOT of conflicting views about this diet. While it is important to keep an open mind I am a firm believer the most effective path to making an educated decision is through a good book. If you are interested in taking an in-depth look at the Whole30 diet plan than we highly suggest you check out the book. 

The Next Step:

If you aren't convinced the Whole30 diet is something for you that's OK! There are numerous diet plans out there that can potentially help you meet your health goals and satisfy your need for tasty  food! If you have reached a point in your life where you are looking for a higher level of health and feel your diet is one of the main factors holding you back, check out the article below!
5 Healthy Diet Plans That Can Change Your Life

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    Isiah Manzo

    A legal consultant and natural health advocate who loves to lift weights, eat good food and be among like minded individuals. 

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