Hey Racers,

Today we have what I consider to be pure gold. Andy Helgeson is a very competitive racer with a past. For wome of you, his past might be your present. He attacked the problem in a sensible way.  Notice especially that when he talks about eating, he is talking about WHAT he eats, and less about how much. This is key. I am very proud of Andy. Nutrition, nutrition, nutrition. I talk about it all the time on here and it is a focal point of Racers Workout. Russ

 

Within every race car driver, there is a competitive drive that runs exceptionally deep. We as racers strive to be the fastest, and be at our peak performance. But as modern day racing has evolved, the racer has transformed from a driver, into an athlete. Modern NASCAR drivers like Carl Edwards and Kasey Kahne are prime examples of this. To be competitive in this day in age on the race track, fitness is key.

I know what it’s like to be an out of shape racer. Just 3 short years ago, I was 190lbs, nearly 30% body fat, and in the worst shape of my life. At the time I was racing Quarter Midgets, with plans on moving up to a Legend Car. At the end of every race weekend, I was simply exhausted. I was physically and mentally drained. Monday mornings were even worse; it was actually tough to get out of bed. It was at the end of that season I decided to change my life, and I did.

Through hard work and lots of dedication, I shed approximately 50lbs of body fat, and gained a substantial amount of lean muscle mass in the process. For me, it was not a miracle diet, nor turning into a gym rat that led to these accomplishments. Rather, a sensible eating plan, and about an hour or so in the gym each day allowed me to reach my goals. I found that a low fat, high protein diet worked very well. My meals were centered around a protein rich food source, like eggs, poultry, or red meat, and complimented with a low fat side, such as a salad or some fruit. Furthermore, rather than snacking on a bag of potato chips during the day, I’d eat some Greek yogurt (which has twice the protein of normal yogurt) or some string cheese. Other simple things, such as switching to a low fat salad dressing, can also go a long way. It’s not all about counting calories. Make smart choices and you will never have to deal with that burden.

 

Another key part of taking off the weight, and successfully keeping it off, has been the nutrient and protein rich food and snacks from my sources at Gulf Coast Diets (www.gulfcoastdiets.com). Their protein fruit smoothies, as well as the vast variety of protein bars, and even their protein potato chips, have become an imperative part of my diet and workout. They have been a life saver, and I certainly attribute much of my success to their products.

 

Fast forward to today, as I sit typing this article. I’m 140lbs, 7% body fat, and am in the best shape of my life. And most importantly, my driving ability has never been better. Races that would have exhausted me in the past leave me longing for more. I am no longer physically or mentally drained at the end of a race weekend, and I can’t wait to get into my shop on Monday morning. Turning my life around and getting in shape has by far been the best decision I’ve ever made.

As I stated above, you don’t need a hard core diet, or force yourself to start living in the gym. Watch what you eat, and choose the healthier alternatives. Instead of grabbing a fast food breakfast, make yourself some eggs (or even egg whites) and have some fresh fruit. Instead of snacking on potato chips, grab a yogurt. And again, I cannot speak highly enough of the products from Gulf Coast Diets (www.gulfcoastdiets.com). Their protein fruit smoothies make an excellent and quick breakfast, and their protein bars make an excellent snack throughout the day. Heck, they even have protein potato chips! Now that is what I call guilt free snacking! Combine this new dietary thought process with a good workout (both cardio, and free weights/machines) 3-5 times a week, and the pounds will fall off. You will look better, and as a racer will feel better.

Fitness is the key to being a good, fast, and competitive race car driver. Being in shape is simply, the racer’s edge.

Please feel free to contact me via email at AndyHelgesonRacing@comcast.net with any questions or comments.

-Andy Helgeson

 

Racers, Andy nailed it.  Get to know him and try the foods and habits he recommends. Frankly, he said it better than I could put it myself. Scary but I seem to be saying that a lot lately.  That's part of bringing the best to you all. There is so much great info out there. I am excited to be able to share as much of it as I can. Reminder that my Top Fuel Nutrition is a free bonus in The Racers Workout. It is the complete Motorsports Racing Fitness program that will have you as strong on that last lap as your first.  Andy correctly noted the massively important points of being race ready through eating right.  Top Fuel is built right off the principles he used to get into serious shape from very humble beginnings. If you want a free Top Fuel Nutrition guide for yourself, email me at Russbohaty@gmail.com.

 

Filed under: Motivational Messages • Workout Tips

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