When I looked more athletic it also promoted a good image when refereeing. A good first impression is very important. You want to LOOK like you are able to keep up with the players before you even have to demonstrate it!
I started my new regime yesterday and it was pretty simple: Just avoid eating too much! I will refine my diet to be better balanced over time.
A lot of this is avoiding temptation as there is a lot of it out there when it comes to food. I remember watching a TV programme about a body builder who used to buy chocolate all the time…. but then just put it in a kitchen cupboard as proof of his discipline. I’m not going that far but it is interesting to consciously note the foods I am avoiding.
For example, yesterday I know I avoided:
- A bread roll at lunchtime.
- A chocolate cheesecake pot (went for the apple instead!)
- A chocolate bar during the afternoon.
- ‘Fatty’ crisps (I had some low-calorie ones to go with a sandwich instead).
- Eating when I got back from my evening activities when I really did not need to.
All of those would certainly add up! I was not starving myself either so it became very clear to me how I have managed to put on weight recently. I was just being excessive.
This also helps in thinking ahead. For example, I know tonight I will be offered hospitality after a match I am officiating. Plenty of sandwiches which I would normally just chomp down because they are there. Perhaps with ‘full fat’ cola? By thinking about it NOW I am priming myself to be sensible.
What foods have you successfully managed to avoid recently? Do you have any weaknesses that you have succumbed to? What are your tips?