QUESTions With Gina Aliotti
Gina Aliotti is an award-winning figure competitor with prestigious titles from events like The Arnold Classic. Gina is a fitness and lifestyle expert who’s life mission is to bringing the message of good health to a mass audience
In this weeks QUESTion With, Gina talks about simple eating, her love of vegetables, and quality versus quantity.
What nutritional information have you learned that most people don’t know?
It is not about counting calories but focusing on quality foods and food choices. Generally, there are no such thing as “bad foods” there are just bad times to eat them. It depends on your personal goals that determine your nutritional choices. For example, while running a marathon, pure glucose may be your best option but not the best option to have pre bedtime.
What training information have you learned that most people don’t know?
Similar to my answer above. It is less about quantity and more about quality. So many people focus on time and numbers of reps, minutes, etc. when really it is less about quantity and more about the quality of your workouts. I have found that you can get the best workouts in less time if you focus on quality and intensity. Not having enough time is not an excuse because the majority of my workouts and the workouts that I use to gain success with my clients are short and incorporate different forms of fitness. Along with quality of workouts comes focusing on working out your body as much as your mind. People focus on the physical components of fitness when in reality it is the mental side of fitness and mental strength in combination with physical strength that will take your fitness to the next level.
What are your three biggest nutrition pet peeves?
1. People who truly believe that ONLY eating less will help you lose weight.
2. People who focus more on calories and less on quality of foods and healthy food choices. I do not believe in calorie counting!
3. People who do not read labels and think they are eating healthy when companies utilize marketing strategies by claiming things are “healthy”, “natural”, “low fat”, “low calorie”, etc. Again, this comes back to people who are not focusing on quality but rather getting sucked into marketing tactics. Let’s not even discuss the new popular 100 calorie food products.
What are the three things you see people doing in the gym that bother you most?
1. Improper form
2. wearing full make-up
3. People who talk more and workout less…
What is a quote that you live by?
“Success is the Sum of SMALL efforts, repeated day in and day out.” Robert Collier
I believe that success, whatever that may be to you, comes with day in and day out consistency!
Who is your inspiration?
Those that have physical or mental handicaps that don’t allow them to get in the way of their goals. Those that find a way to reach their goals, no matter what limitations may be put in their way. Where there is a will, there is a way! Running a marathon next to an individual who has no arms or someone who has fake legs is the inspiration I need to keep me moving forward in life!
Who or what got you started?
My dad introduced me to Figure in 2004 but before my introduction to the sport, I have always been extremely active and involved in sports, fitness and eating/living a healthy lifestyle. I owe my introduction into this lifestyle to my mother and father who raised me to not know anything different.
What is one piece of advice you give to new lifters?
Don’t be afraid to try different forms of lifting and working out to find what works for you. Everyone is so different and what works for one person may not work for someone else. There are so many different types of training styles, tools and tactics. Learn as much as you can about as many as you can and find what works best for you!
What is one piece of advice you give to seasoned lifters?
Change is key to success. Never allow your body to get use to the same workout routine. Change things up and keep your body responding! People tend to get use to doing things a certain way but don’t forget that constant change is the key to continuous success and improvements!
What’s your goal for 2011?
Continuing to grow my online Fitness Network at www.ginaaliotti.com and bring as many like minded individuals together to help motivate, inspire and support one another. I see the importance and have found great ways to incorporate fitness and health into everyday life and it is my goal to spread the word to as many people interested in learning the tools. This year is a year for Ginaaliotti.com to grow, inspire and motivate all individuals who are wanting to take their fitness goals and dreams to the next level. I have several other projects underway, including expanding my activewear clothing line, G-Fit, www.gfitactivewear.com and many more… Please stay tuned!!
What body part do you struggle with the most, and what have you done to overcome the problem?
I have always had an overpowering lowerbody, in relation to my upper body. I have been able to bring down the size of my lower body by incorporating more running and less lower body weight training. Focusing on body weight exercises and cardiovascular activity has enabled me to find what works for my body.
What does your typical diet consist of?
My nutritional program consists of a ton of veggies. I am a veggie-holic and consider this a free food!! Below is a sample of a typical day’s diet.
Meal 1: Oatmeal & a Protein Shake with 1 tbsp of flaxseed, chia seed
Meal 2: Quest Bar with a piece of fruit (usually an apple)
Meal 3: Lean Protein with tons of veggies and a serving of a complex carb such as brown rice or quinoa
Meal 4: Protein shake with rice cakes and nut butter OR my famous Protein pancakes
Meal 5: Same as Meal 3 (some days, omitting the complex carbs)
Meal 6: Egg white/veggie omelet
Meal 7: Protein Shake or my famous NO carb protein pancakes (sometimes with a touch of nut butter and sugar free syrup) 🙂
I allow myself to have a few glasses of wine a week and love going out for sushi once a week! 🙂
