With Christmas Feasts and New Year's Resolutions on the way, now is the time to determine your eating style. This will help you to set realistic goals into 2008. You can develop a better understanding of your eating and fitness habits, to maximise your performance potential and overall body health, strength and vitality.

Weight Battlers
See food as comfort
Indecisive personality
Overweight
Inactive/sporadic Activity
Try every new diet
Emotional bond to food
Almost always female

Indulgers
Eat large quantities
Feel invulnerable
Not usually overweight
Fairly active but unstructured
At risk of certain health problems
Want instant gratification
Almost always male

Half Hearted Improvers
"Would be" healthy people
Slightly overweight
Contradictory eating habits
Moderate/unstructured activity
Will worry about health later

Sensible Moderators
No issue with food or diet
Eat regularly and sensibly
Dispassionate about food
Little to no structured activity
Generally unstressed about life

Health Zealots
Sensible, disciplined
See good health as a way of life
Avoiding bad food is healthy
Moderate to high activity

How can this knowledge help me to maximise my Health Outcomes?
Knowing your eating style can give great insight into the future of your health. By becoming aware of your habits, and how these relate to the food we consume, we can begin to combat the issues that prevent us from reaching and staying at a peak performance level. If you are trying to lose weight, get fit, lower your cholesterol or just feel better about your health, there are tools available to help you through. You may feel fit and be thin through your dance training, but it is still important to determine your eating style and whether or not it is the most healthy option for your body, to maximise your energy and strength in class and on the stage. So once you know your eating style check out the suggestions below and begin your journey to feeling great!

"Habits are like a comfortable bed. Easy to get into but very hard to get out of"

Please note: As a dancer, most of us are fortunate to engage in regular physical activity, however, some dance classes are not necessarily a great work out, particularly if you do not put in your maximum effort. It is important to note that different styles of dance and the length of class will have an effect on the strength building and/or cardio work out you achieve. If you are not doing at least 3 good classes a week, it can be important to supplement dance with gymnasium and Pilates work. These will also further strengthen your body, increase your fitness and allow you to make the most out of every dance lesson.

Weight Battlers
Your primary step to success will be in your ability to focus on the emotional issues that trigger food choices. Often mood can influence the type and quantity of food that we eat. By identifying the emotional triggers and replacing current behaviours with new habits, you can increase your likelihood of success. Steps you can take:
Look at the types of food that are on hand in your kitchen every day
Look at exercise as a way of life rather than a quick fix
Start to set realistic and achievable goals and measure these regularly
We recommend:
One on One Personal Training
Gravity Pilates Training
Seek information on:
Eating Triggers
Portion Distortion

Indulgers
You tend to have a total kilojoule intake that exceeds your daily requirement and an increasingly high intake of fat. By continuing to consume a high fat diet you are increasing your risk of heath problems such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. These can often go unnoticed until later in life, especially if you are not overweight.
Advice:
You need to reduce your total food intake and most importantly moderate your intake of high fat foods. In addition, you need to monitor your activity levels. It is advisable that you undertake a structured activity plan and get regular health check ups. By tackling those potentially dangerous eating habits today, you prevent health problems in the future!
We recommend:
Gravity Pilates Training
Cardio Blast Classes
Spin, Cycling classes
Seek advice on:
Lower fat food options
10 Feel full fundamentals

Half Hearted Improvers
You start out with good intentions but lack the motivation and/or education to achieve success.
Advice:
You need to focus on gaining a good understanding of what constitutes a healthy eating and exercise plan. Rather than thinking daily about what you will eat and when you will exercise you need to focus on changing long term habits. You can do this by structuring a plan that suits your lifestyle. Remember………Diets are not a quick fix. Changing your habits for life will see you achieve long term health benefits.
We recommend:
Pilates mat / reformer
Gravity Pilates Training
Seek information on:
Balancing my food groups
The Glycaemic index

Sensible Moderates
You don't spend too much time thinking about your health. You have never been overweight, never thought much about what you eat, and tend not to exercise enough.
Advice:
Exercise is a necessary component of any lifestyle for health maintenance. You should begin an activity that will increase your bone density, increase your cardiovascular health and complement your already healthy eating plan.
We recommend:
Pilates mat
Pilates reformer
Seek information on:
7 good reasons for making muscle
Physical activity guidelines

Health Zealots
You tend to revolve much of your life around being healthy. You eat well, exercise well and avoid anything 'unhealthy'. To continue on this path we encourage good eating habits and recommend regular exercise. Many of you may find problems arise from reaching a plateau in your training regime or boredom with your current eating and exercise program.
Advice:
To maintain variety and promote continued success: change your routine regularly, try new foods, experiment with recipe ideas and challenge yourself to get out of your comfort zone. Try a new dance style or new gym class and enjoy the challenge! Who knows, you could end up loving break dance or salsa lessons and receive a great workout at the same time!
We recommend:
One on One Personal Training
Power Pilates / Cardio Pilates
Seek information on:
What is a plateau?
Breaking through Plateaus

© Written by Kate McMullen September 2007
Kate McMullen is a member of the team at InsideOut Health, Adelaide's Premier Pilates Studio in Norwood.
InsideOut Health Studio delivers the widest variety of Pilates formats in Adelaide, with specific
programs focused on strengthening the body, particularly the abdominals, and improving posture and wellbeing. The highly qualified and experienced team of Pilates Practitioners, Personal Trainers & Weight Management Coaches work closely with each individual to achieve their personal health, fitness and strength goals. If you have any questions or enquiries, please don't hesitate to contact InsideOut Health Studio info@insideouthealth.com.au www.insideouthealth.com.au