Recently I posted a news story about a professional tennis player who started winning shortly after he switched to a gluten free diet. The article was asking if the wins were connected to the diet. What a shock that all ends of the dietary spectrum came out in force to defend their way to eat. The lesson here in my opinion is that no single food philosophy can possibly apply to everyone. How can anyone think that the 22 year old Kenyan marathon runner and the 38 year mother of 4 should have the same diet? It’s ridiculous. I’ve been to Japan, Italy and France – all three nations eat massive amounts of “good” carbohydrates at every meal yet it’s very hard to find fat Italian, French and Japanese people – unless they live here.
I’m a gluten “lite” – tons of veggies, free range chicken and wild salmon eatin’ dude these days. I’m discovering the less gluten the better for my body chemistry. I was vegan for years and recently I added free range chicken and wild salmon. Universal black and white mandates for all is short-sided. I lost some weight eating just veggies, fruit and beans so I’ve upped the protein and calories. Making adjusts based on ever changing needs (especially as I get older) is perfectly normal. The diet guide in P90X and the one in my book are different. So what? Both ask you to eat HEALTHY FOOD! Some people can be vegan for a lifetime while others fluctuate from one healthy diet to another. The key word here is healthy. My weight will go up and down 10 pounds but as long as the food I’m eating is healthy and whole I’ll probably be okay.
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I love this advice! So sensible! Thank you Tony!
I have celiac disease and must eat gluten free but was easily able to modify the suggested diet to accomodate my gluten free lifestyle.
I agree whole heartedly Tony. We are all different and as our lives change we have to adapt to what works for us.
I am in day 31 of the lean program in P90X and I think the portions are great! I also have your book which I got when you cam to Dallas in January.
All and all since the 1st time I workout with you live in Dallas back in Sept.or Aug 2010 I have lost 70 lbs and 60 inches. I still have a ways to go. I have had to switch up my nutrition several times to accommodate my body’s needs.
Using Shakeology everyday has really been a life saver! I can’t wait to see you at Summit!
I love you approach to this. Thanks!
Do you notice a difference, Tony, in your energy level or mood, now that you’ve added some chicken and fish back into your diet? Just wondering. I’m considering the Flexitarian approach to diet (90% plant based) and recently completed a 10 day “White Out” challenge with some fellow P90Xers (nothing white… no white flour, rice, sugar, etc.). The results were positive enough to get me thinking about making the dietary change permanent.
I don’t have a gluten intolerance, but my husband does so we don’t eat gluten at home. And I must say, it makes me feel better not eating it so much. Our bodies just aren’t built to eat that much grain. We’re not grazing animals. Yet it is almost in EVERYTHING. But I find it easier to watch what I eat when I don’t eat as much gluten
I have been Gluten FREE for 10 years, even before anyone heard about it…not by choice…but I KNOW it contributes to why I am as healthy and energetic as I am… I just started the P90X and would really be interested in Protein bars that are Gluten Free, for on the go meals and at work… THANKS for an AWESOME Workout Program…it is very effective and intensive… I am very pleased!!!
As I become older myself (48), the term “gluten lite” is something that I have been adhering to these days. It is amazing that how a shift in diet can make you feel better both physically and mentally. After years of eating junk I hope I am not too late to turn things around. My bad diet didn’t happen overnight, and it won’t go away overnight either. One day at a time, with positive reinforcement from all the great people I have come in contact with thru P90x/ Tony Horton / Beachbody.com.
I currently am taking a nutrition course. Let me tell you that there is so much more to proper nutrition then what most people think. Eating the right kinds of food is what it’s all about and paying attention to your fats you are eating.It’s critial that we lower our intake of saturated fats this type of fat should be less than 10% of your total fat calorie intake. Eating lean protein and having good sources of fresh vegetables and fruits will help emencely.
Good for you Marty – keep studying!
Hey Tony,
At the end of the day, as the science tells us, it’s a simple equation of calories in, calories out. Healthy living is about finding balance. We are highly adapted creatures to utilize many sources of nutrients. To maintain a healthy lifesyle, it’s less about what you eat, but rather how much, and how much activity you do. Simple rules, the challenge is in the execution.
I am only 15 years old both my parents are diabetic (i am not yet) but i have a little extra weight. I heard about P90x and got a hold of the program and my god my body never hurt so much but it is soooooooo worth it i feel better about myself when i wake up in the morning and am loosing weight and gaining muscle. As well the food in the plan is very good and easy to prepare. Tony deserves a Nobel Peace prize or something! If more people would just give p90x a try it would completely change their life. Thank you so much Tony you are an awesome guy and a great inspiration!
Thank you Tony! Early in my journey with P90x I followed the diet guide. I then started going back to my love for biology and anthropology and looked at the diets of early man. Straight up paleo was too much for me and I landed happily in Mark Sisson’s primal philosophy. Eating primally and working out to p90x has helped me lose over 100lbs and completely reverse my blood markers. When I tell my doctors what I eat, they are usually shocked because I do pretty much the opposite of what they would have told me to do and I’m in excellent health and have blood work to prove it. While yes, I eat no grains or other processed food, no legumes and very limited dairy, I’ve learned to listen to my body and can stick to eating well fairly easily. I’m eating whole healthy foods I would have never tried before (parsnips, brussel sprouts, kale) and can proudly say I support the local economy by purchasing animals from free range local farmers for my meats. My diet is very different from yours (I eat lots of animal fat) but eating real whole foods has made all of the difference in the world for me…along with p90x of course.
Hey Tony- I like your approach to food, workouts and life. I had to go gluten free due to Celiac disease diagnoses about 6 years ago. I of course feel a thousand times better without gluten but believe balance is key to any diet. Each persons diet is unique based on who and where they are (in life not necessarily location). I don’t recommend a strict gluten free diet for anyone without celiac disease. Reduced gluten intake can be beneficial but it is better to concentrate on eating the good foods vs. restricting the bad. Which is what I hear you say. Keep up the good motivation Tony!