What's Missing

One of the biggest obstacles I’ve seen holding people back from achieving their fitness goals is nutritional deficiencies.

Other than water – everyone could stand to drink more water – I’ve found that most people are lacking in the following three areas, and it’s keeping them from having the body and health that they want:

Protein: Your body needs an adequate protein supply throughout the day to support lean mass and burn fat, and to improve immune health, hormone balance, and the transport of nutrients and waste throughout the body. Some of the best sources of protein are lean meats and wild-caught fish, eggs and dairy (if you tolerate it well). But in my experience, most people simply don’t get enough. That’s where I step in, to help them gradually build the habit of eating the correct portions of lean protein with every meal … and if that’s not possible, supplement with a high-quality whey protein isolate powder. (I mean, who doesn’t love a good smoothie?)

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: For most people eating the standard American diet, we get far more omega-6 fatty acids (the ones that promote inflammation) than omega-3’s (which are anti-inflammatory). Since inflammation is the source of all disease, this isn’t a sustainable approach. It’s challenging to consume enough wild-caught fish, nuts and seeds to meet your daily omega-3 requirements, so I recommend supplementing with high-quality fish oil to fill this important gap. Without it, cardiovascular, neurological and brain health could suffer. What’s more, a pure and potent dose of omega-3 fatty acids -- particularly EPA and DHA -- can help improve joint health and support immunity, while also helping with vision and weight management.

Essential Vitamins and Minerals: No matter how much you prioritize fruits and vegetables, it’s almost impossible to consistently get the right mixture and amount to provide your body with the exact profile of micronutrients (think, nutrients within nutrients) that it needs to thrive. That’s why most health-conscious people take a multivitamin daily … especially your hard-working coach! :-)

Yes, every person’s situation is unique. But these are three common deficiencies I’ve seen so many times that I wanted to share it with you and help you avoid some of the same traps.

If you have questions about how complete (or incomplete) your current diet is -- or would like advice on how to improve the above deficiencies -- shoot me a reply. I’d love to help!