Hudg's House

So are we what we eat?
To a big degree with the key word being "BIG" - me thinks maybe so.
Plant a flower, get a flower. Sow good seeds,get a healthy crop.
Eat Crap,look like crap. (Sorry to be so bold)
Like everything else - we generally get what we put in when it comes to fueling our body, that's a good way to look at nutrition as fuel.
We couldn't expect high performance out of a watered down low octane fuel, so why put a bunch of junk in our "temples" and have any expectations of a work of art in good condition.
It takes two - exercising & good nutrition to carve the statue in the stone.
I can think of no viable reason to attempt great fitness and only rely on one of the varibles....FAWGETABOUDIT !!!
Plus it doesn't work.
That would be reason enough to not foolishly attempt that endeavor.

I have had good success with a balanced eating program consisting of a good lowfat protein source, a complex carb and later in the day a fibrous carb.
The fats occur naturally in the foods from the above choices.
You can eat a fibrous carb anytime also with any meal.

Complex carb examples - beans,rice yams,potatoes,cream of wheat,hominy,etc.
Fibrous carb ex. - brocholi,salads,green beans/carrots,etc.

I also suggest supplementing with a good multivitamin/mineral.
You may want some xtra calcium and a good source of EFA's
(essential fatty acids), I feel is important.
It's good "insurance". Nobody eats perfect, it just doesn't happen.

Leaving one of the big three(proteins,fats,carbohydrates) out of an eating program doesn't make sense to me. Never has.
"We" do however attempt to eat lowerfat %wise, esp. while leaning.

It's not real-life stuff that you can live with, leaving out a major food source and that's what we should want to procur - something we can live with that works for life.
Doesn't mean we can't adjust it somewhat later but something in the ballpark that gives us good results, is reasonable, sound and we can be consistent with makes sense. Extreme's rarely fit the bill. You cut carbs out of your program - your gonna crave'm like crazy "afterwards" and do you really wanna go thru alot of your life and not have good food that you "can't/shouldn't eat?" Food in and of itself is not the enemy - it's just food/fuel period, but our consistent choices Day in/Day out is what writes the story.

If your trying to lean, I might suggest avoiding processed flours and milk products during that phase. Doesn't mean you have to, but you might see better results in losing bodyfat.
On a maintenance program after you reach your lean goal you could open your program up to include those items. Just a suggestion.

Read a good book about the subject - Tom Venuto's "Burn the Fat,Feed the Muscle" is excellent all the way around for a good sensible fitness program. Can't reccomend it highly enough and it will give you good details.
Multiple meals a day of 5-6 times, seems to be the method most followed by a great many successful programs.
Stabilizes blood sugar, teaches you to eat smaller more frequent meals -"grazing", consistently nourishing the body and it also allows you a convenient way to get all your calories (proteins,fats,carbs) in.

Well what about snacks/treats - eat'em! - if you choose, but just not a case or carton of something. An occasional Treat meal or snack that is somewhat fattening or contains sugar will never sabotage a great program.
It will be overwhealmed by your consistent, great habits and it allows you to partake and enjoy some special items that are tasty. I personally don't want to go through the rest of my life and not be able to have some good chocolate-chip ice cream - or whatever occasionally. To do otherwise unless your preparing for a contest or really gunning for a goal is something I have no interest in. You actually really can have it all if you plan/work and focus. It will become second-nature to do the right thing and you'll receive the benefits. All of them.
This is just a few basic tips on a good eating program and once again, this is what I do. Do as you please and what your research tells you to. Once again, this has worked for me. I wish you Health and Wellness in your program.

And now the May Update:
212 lbs. - 37
I know I still have a way to go but I'm going in the right direction.
I will conquer "Mt. Fuji" and I will reach 10% bodyfat, unless of course
I happen to die of an accident/natural causes. Then I'll get real skinny.
Sorry, my weird sense of humor kicked in.
I will be patient & so should you on your program. Next Month. "Hudg"