Written by Team Juggernaut
As a coach I have heard every excuse in the book. I have heard every complaint, every bitch and every moan. I should have a PHD in clinical psychology from the thousands of hours of emotional counseling I’ve done. The one excuse I cannot condone, the one that makes my blood boil is when an athlete says something absurd like,”I forgot to eat lunch today.”
You forgot to eat? You forgot?? To EAT??!!!
Nothing makes me want to punch an athlete in the face more than that phrase.
If you are adhering to any kind of rigorous training program your diet should be your first priority. Make a plan and stick to it.
Nothing will hinder progress in the gym more than poor dietary planning.
Routine is key. Don’t go to bed on Monday night until you have cooked enough food to cover Monday night’s dinner and all of Tuesday’s meals. Tuesday’s meals are prepared and packaged in portable containers. Have your protein powder and shaker prepped and ready. There should never be a time during the day that you are starving. There should always be a protein rich meal close by.
You need to have a plan for every contingency. For example: It’s late Monday morning at your office. You are feeling good because you ate a half dozen eggs and a half pound of grass fed beef for breakfast. You are equally proud of your mid morning protein shake and the one you have ready for later this afternoon. You have planned well. Your dietary needs are covered.
But wait! What’s this?? It appears as though some douche-bag from your office has eaten your mid-day meal. Clearly this asshole did not plan ahead and that’s why the thickest part of his legs are his wobbly knees.
Not to worry.You have planned for just this eventuality. In the trunk of your car there is a bag. Sort of a man-purse if you will. In that bag you will find a large tub of protein powder, a large sack of almonds and a huge jar of peanut butter. There’s a few bottles of water and a shaker. There might also be some ninja throwing stars or a club of some kind.
After you’ve cleaned your coworkers blood from your hands you can enjoy an impromptu tailgate party as you prepare your protein shake in the parking lot.
It’s also important to enjoy your life. Don’t let your diet or lifestyle interfere with your quality of life. There will be parties and dinners. The savage and savvy planner will call ahead to a restaurant to make sure there’s a steak on the menu. If there’s no high protein option he will plan accordingly by bringing a pre-made meal and consuming it in the car before his dinner date. Inside he will enjoy a salad and be social despite the lack of flesh on the menu.
So don’t tell me you forgot to eat. Don’t tell me you don’t have time. Make the time. Make a plan. Be ready for anything. Have enough pre-made, protein rich meals in containers to cover your day. Have a back-up plan like your man-bag. Always have enough healthy food on hand to make sure you are never hungry.
Plan ahead.
Prepare to succeed.
