What Does “Eat Correctly” Actually Mean?
Alright, let’s talk about nutrition. I’m sure a lot of you have heard phrases like, “eat healthy” or “if you want to build muscle, you need to eat correctly.” But what does “eating correctly” actually mean? And more importantly, how does it fit into your life as a busy guy who doesn’t want to give up everything you enjoy? Let’s skip the trendy diets and weird “rules” like “don’t eat after 8 pm” or “skip breakfast.” I’m not here to push a specific diet. What I’m going to do is share the basics backed by research—and what’s worked for me. First things first—define your goal. “Eating correctly” will look different if you’re a 22-year-old guy trying to build muscle compared to, say, a 40-year-old woman aiming to lose weight and improve overall fitness. There’s definitely some overlap, but there are some things that won’t apply to everyone. I’m gonna focus on what you should eat if you’re a young-ish guy who wants to build a muscular physique, but most of the things I’m going to talk about will apply to everyone. Let’s clear this up: when we say “junk food,” we’re talking about high-calorie, low-nutrient foods loaded with sugars, fats, and additives that give you minimal nutrition. Think candies, pastries, burgers, fries, sodas, chips—the stuff that tastes amazing but leaves you feeling sluggish. On the other hand, “healthy food” provides real fuel. These are whole foods that are rich in nutrients, keeping you mentally and physically on point. Here are some examples: - Fruits and Vegetables (fiber, vitamins, antioxidants) - Lean Proteins (chicken, fish, lean beef) - Whole Grains (quinoa, oats, brown rice) - Healthy Fats (nuts, seeds, olive oil, avocados) - Dairy (milk, yogurt) This is the first part of “eating correctly.” It’s not just about avoiding junk food to stay lean—it’s about your overall health and well-being. Eating mostly healthy foods gives your body the nutrients it needs, so you’ll feel better both mentally and physically. A good rule of thumb you can follow is the 80/20 rule. 80% healthy food and 20% junk food. Eat like this and you’ll be golden.