Diet, metabolism & self-knowledge. Working smart VS. working hard.

Let me tell you it's all about knowing what's good for you. Personalized food is the key. You need to know yourself on a molecular level. Haha, I am kidding. I just wanted to make it sound as deep as it was. Because it is. once you know your foods, apply the knowledge, follow the routine and feel the change is something I can not explain, but it is the end goal when you think about what you are going to feed your body.

I am not going to lecture you on food regimes, there is plenty of information on the Internet. I am going to lecture you on what is it really is a diet.

What foods are good for your system and what foods are not. and how to know? Have a close relationship with your nutritionist and/or fitness trainer.

That does not mean, forever, as I know what a commitment to budget and time is. I mostly did this kind of investment at my young age when I was in my search of a fit life and when having a great body was the end goal I wanted to achieve when working out (now is health the badass bikini bod comes with it automatically haha beauty hack #).

This is a must at some point in your life, the earlier, the better for you, because, knowing the right food for you, takes time, you have to try, and that takes time and commitment, and like everything in beauty, after real-time and discipline, and only after that, you can tell what really makes a change on you and what suits you. Mostly, when is about food, once you find the right things, even for your cravings, it all starts working smoothly, because let is hard on the mind, but mostly on the mouth. You want it to taste good. And is in your mind that good food is not tasty. And that is another life hack. Once you find your foods, make sure you make them taste good, you don't cook, like me, then find a way to get them.

Especially for your cravings, that is the weak point, that is where most of the work is wasted. Learn the kind of sweets that you process easily, that you like, and learn self-control when you allow yourself to “have some”. Self-control really has been my diet hack for life #6. I work out regularly, so my metabolism is on point, then I know the sugars I can processionals easily, the time of day is better to cheat, I try those extra 10 mins of calories at the gym (even if it was more) if just balance my cheating with my workout. I am committed to my workout, which has allowed me through the years to really eat what it looks like whatever I want, whenever I want. But mostly I can tell you that 70% f my choices are healthy in my regular life at home, and when people see me cheating is when I am out allowing myself to enjoy life, which to some people could be the impression that I eat or cheat on my diet like that all the time. Which is not. Besides, after 20plus years of regular workout, and the litters of sweat and fat I have shredded, I think I deserve it. And I know myself so well that I can tell when I need to work out more or when I need to eat more. Sometimes, when life happened, I have found myself altering my diet habits and becoming too skinny.

And then I apply to myself the same exercise I recommend you to do. I do again the mirror assessment. I actually do it every 6 months or so.

Now, during those 20 years of athletism, and self-knowledge, it took me years to balance my eating this way.

I had to learn like everybody else.

Do it right. No skipping steps. I know is hard the first time. I know.

I know the pain but you have to go through it.

The best quality you can afford (don't stress too much about this in your daily life), just make the best choice available at the moment.

The right quantities.

The right proteins, veggies, and supplements.

At the right times (on a schedule).

The right snacks.

And not skipping meals.

2L of water a day will help you boost your metabolism. Learning about your own metabolism is the biggest hack, as once you have this knowledge, then is all about boosting it, it would be would in a professional life be considering working smart rather than working hard. Well, it applies perfectly to the fit life. And when is about getting fit or any level you are pursuing, the working star will make the process, smoother.

Diet trends. Be careful with them. Like anything else in this book, I will advise reviewing thoroughly the information provided about that particular regime you are about to dive into. However, if you're choosing one, after a real gathering of information bout your body and needs, and you think it is definitely for you, then go ahead, please try. And like everything else on the "beauty journey", do it right to give it a fair shot before you validate effectiveness. Diets are like beauty products, so go to that chapter and follow the exact same steps when you're trying something new.

And I would say be even more careful. Your diet affects everything from your hair to your toenails. I can improve your face skin or make a year's battle with acne and breakups. It can activate pre genetical issues like thyroids and diabetes. in women, t can also balance or the opposite in hormonal levels. So to be very clear. Diet is very connected with all your beauty, health, and overall wellbeing.

Ex. If your diet is not good. It does not matter how much you take vitamins to grow your hair and nails. They won’t be in the optimal state unless you have the right food habits.

With love,

Jay Rodriguez

The Beauty Designer