I wish the sun was out today so that I could soak it in while resting in the grass again. Instead, I started my day in another healthy way: walking with a GREAT friend! Physical and emotional health goals met at the same time. Woot!

While we were walking, she asked me if I was using FIT in place of a protein powder/shake/supplement. I thought it would be a good question to answer for everyone, so here's what I said:

I used to drink a whey protein "shake" (just water and protein powder) immediately after every weight training session. I no longer do that. Now, I drink FIT before, during and/or after my workout sessions. Does that mean that protein powders/supplements are not useful at all anymore? No! I still use protein powder to fill in the gaps in my diet if I need to. For example, if it's a rushed day and I am not able to meet my protein goals from whole foods, then I will consider adding in a protein shake or adding protein powder to my oatmeal or yogurt. I also have started making protein cookies with flax, nut butter and some protein powder for a satisfying, nutrient rich snack (they are also high in fiber and my kids even like them!). So, my use of protein powder now is not to recover and refuel from my workouts, but rather just help me reach my daily protein intake goals. Just FYI, a good GOAL is 1gram of protein for every pound of body weight. I say it's a good goal because it's actually more than you need, but if that's what you aim for and you fall short by 20-30 grams, it's probably still enough! If you do that calculation and it seems like an absurd amount of protein to you, then reach out to me! I will help you figure out how much your body really needs so that you are optimizing your protein usage and building lean muscle!

What is FIT doing for me? It is helping me to retain and build muscle: My weight is staying relatively stable, but my body fat percentage is dropping. It is increasing my exercise capacity: I have been able to increase the amount of weight that I lift, workout after workout, week after week and I have even wanted to get in a fifth weight lifting session each week! Decreasing delayed onset muscle soreness: I used to be sore after every workout. Usually 24 to 48 hours after a workout I would be very sore, often even to the touch. I honestly can't remember the last time I felt sore after a workout (it was before I started drinking FIT!). For example this week I was able to do 4 strength workouts in a row Monday through Thursday with no muscle soreness and no decrease in power. I split up muscle groups so that I didn't do the same muscle group on consecutive days, but prior to taking FIT it would be hard for me to do a second leg workout on a Thursday if I had done one on Tuesday because I would still be very sore at that point. Tight, yes, but sore, no. The tightness is a whole different issue that I need to work on by increasing my stretching and mobility exercises. I did a leg workout yesterday and then today I did sprint intervals. I could definitely feel my hamstrings because they are a bit tight, but even after finishing the sprints, I am not sore! Mind. Blown.

Why does any of this matter?! Because Muscle is the key to longevity and health span! More on that to come! Muscle is my favorite!

Now...let me go stretch. ;)