By jilisachenard@crossfitcamrose.com / November 13, 2024
Starting a fitness journey is exciting! Whether you’re hitting the gym in Camrose for the first time or looking for guidance with a personal trainer, we know how much effort you’re putting into improving your health. But here’s the truth: fitness success doesn’t stop at the gym door. Nutrition plays a massive role, and some common mistakes can derail your progress.
At Greater Purpose Health and Fitness, we’ve seen it all. As nutrition coaches and personal trainers in Camrose, we’re here to guide you around these pitfalls and help you fuel your fitness journey the right way.
The Problem
You’re motivated to make changes, but maybe you feel stuck. You’re working hard in the gym—showing up for group classes, lifting weights, or even running on the Camrose trails—yet progress feels slow. The issue might not be your workouts. Often, it’s nutrition.
Let’s break down the top five mistakes we see beginners make and how you can avoid them.
1. Skipping Meals or Under-Eating
Many people think that eating less will help them lose weight faster. The reality? Skipping meals or severely cutting calories slows down your metabolism and leaves you feeling tired. And trust us, dragging yourself to the gym on low energy isn’t fun for anyone.
The Fix: Eat balanced meals throughout the day with lean proteins, whole grains, and plenty of veggies. A consistent, nutrient-rich diet fuels your workouts and keeps your energy steady.
2. Overloading on Processed Foods
We get it—life in Camrose is busy! Sometimes grabbing a quick snack or fast food feels easier than prepping meals. But processed foods are often loaded with added sugars, unhealthy fats, and salt, which can stall your progress.
The Fix: Focus on whole foods. Try prepping simple meals at home or picking nutrient-dense options when you’re on the go. Need ideas? Our nutrition coaches can help you craft meal plans that fit your schedule.
3. Neglecting Hydration
Dehydration is sneaky. You might not even realize you’re not drinking enough water, but it can lead to fatigue, muscle cramps, and even slow recovery after workouts.
The Fix: Aim to drink half your body weight in ounces of water daily. If you’re working out or sweating more than usual, bump that up. Pro tip: keep a reusable water bottle with you—it’s a game-changer.
4. Not Eating Enough Protein
Protein is your body’s building block for muscle repair and growth. If you’re skimping on it, you might find it harder to recover from workouts or see the strength gains you’re after.
The Fix: Include a protein source at every meal, like chicken, fish, eggs, or plant-based options like tofu or lentils. Need guidance? Our personal trainers can help you calculate how much protein your body needs.
5. Falling for Fad Diets
We’ve all seen them: “Lose 10 pounds in a week with this one weird trick!” Spoiler alert: most fad diets are unsustainable and leave you missing out on essential nutrients.
The Fix: Skip the fads and aim for balance. A well-rounded diet with a mix of carbs, proteins, and healthy fats is your best bet for long-term success. Feeling overwhelmed? Let’s sit down and figure it out together.
The Solution
At Greater Purpose Health and Fitness, we don’t just focus on workouts. Our personal trainers and nutrition coaches are here to help you create a complete plan that fits your goals. Whether you’re new to fitness, looking to improve your eating habits, or just need someone to help you get started, we’re in your corner.
Ready to take control of your nutrition and fitness journey? Book your free No-Sweat Intro today. We’ll chat about your goals, create a personalized plan, and get you set up for success.
Let’s turn your hard work into real results—inside and outside the