If you are working to get into the best shape of your life, it can be easy to place all of your focus on your work outs.  Working out intensely makes you feel great, so it is easy to see why you would want to give it all of your focus.  It is very gratifying to see major improvements in your strength.  A big part of the equation is being missed if you don’t properly address your diet.  Up to 80% of how you look is the result of what you eat.  The remainder of your appearance is made up 10% by your genes and 10% by your exercise efforts.  A bad diet and really hinder your results.

If your goal is to get into great shape, it is going to take more than just counting calories.  You need to focus on eating foods that will assist your muscles in recovering and help you fuel up for intense workouts.    You need both sufficient protein and carbohydrates for optimal muscle gains.

Clean, whole foods will best fuel your efforts.  Clean eating does not mean that you can only enjoy bland meals.  There are many healthy foods that also taste great!

Quinoa is an example of a food that tastes great that is also good for you.  Quinoa is a complete protein because it has all of the muscle-mending essential amino acids your body needs.  This means that you can work out hard today and know you will be able to hit it again tomorrow.  So, throw away the rice and pasta and try quinoa recipes instead.

There is generally no place for chips and dip in a healthy diet.  Finding a healthy way to enjoy the foods you love is what you need to do.  Why not try some hummus recipes with carrots and celery!  You can make your own healthy chips with whole grain tortillas.