WE'RE DEBT FREE!!!

The Most Important Debt Free Story

Galatians 6:14 "May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world."

Before I type anything else, it is our (Leigh and I) hope that this blog post gives honor to our Savior, Jesus Christ. The Lord has blessed us richly in allowing both Leigh and I to be raised in Christian homes where we had believing parents. Through the reality of their faith, and by the grace of God, we both came to know Christ as our Lord and Savior. This is the kind of inheritance that is of real value, because money will fade, but salvation with the gift of eternal life can never fade!

I Peter 1:3-5 "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time."

The most important debt free story we can tell is being free from the sin debt that we owed to God. The Bible says in Romans 3:23 "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" and in Romans 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." This sin debt was something that we had no hope of ever working to pay off. It wouldn't matter how good we were or how hard we worked, we owed too much and could never free ourselves from the debt of our sin. But the good news of the Gospel is that God sent his Son, Jesus, to pay that sin debt for us! The beautiful thing is, God makes this offer to each and every person...no matter how deep their debt of sin is, He is willing to cover it. This is by far, the most important debt free story I can think of. We hope our "financial" debt free story encourages or even inspires you...but it pales in comparison to being free from the debt of sin. If you aren't "debt free" in that respect, you can change all of that today!

 

Our Debt Free Scream

On November 26th, Leigh and I accomplished a major milestone that we have been working extremely hard to reach...we paid off our mortgage and we are 100% DEBT FREE! In case you didn't know...and I don't know how you could know us and not know this...we are BIG Dave Ramsey fans. Anyway, one of our bucket list items once we were finally 100% debt free was to go to Financial Peace Plaza to meet Dave and to do our debt free scream. We get fired up hearing all of the other families come on Dave's show, tell their story, and scream that they are debt free. It gave us the motivation to stay the course and focus on knocking out our debt as soon as possible. So, on Tuesday of this week, we went to Financial Peace Plaza to check off the bucket list item. If you haven't seen the video of our debt free scream, take a few minutes and check it out HERE, but then come back and read the rest of this blog post.
 
I'll be honest...we were a little apprehensive about going on the show to tell our story because we didn't want people to think we were bragging or being prideful about our situation. Of course we were and are excited about this accomplishment, and we also want to tell everyone about it because we want them to be encouraged that they can do it too! But, sometimes how a message is sent isn't how a message is received, and as an HR guy that is constantly crafting communication, I'm sensitive to that. We were also apprehensive about going on the show because we knew we were going to have to mention our income. Leigh and I know we have been blessed to make a good income, and that is something we don't talk about much. Certainly, we feel we've earned that income through hard work (Leigh continues to work from home while raising the girls even though we can make it off of a single income, and I have had a "side job" in one form or another for almost 10 years), but we also realize God is ultimately in control of our circumstances; so regardless of our efforts, without God's provision, we wouldn't have the financial freedom we now have.

Why is being debt free so important?

Dave really says it best. If you don't have any debt, you can become very wealthy over time. If you become very wealthy, you have the ability to "live and give like no one else." After all, if you struggle to pay your monthly obligations, how much resources do you have to bless others with? If believers don't have enough money to do anything other than pay bills, how will they support their church? Support missions and ministries? Give to those in need? The short answer is they probably can't, and they probably won't. However, if we are able to meet our financial obligations and have excess, we can give cheerfully. The Bible talks about being a cheerful giver in 2 Corinthians 9 (go read those few verses if you get a chance) and there are many other passages in scripture that talk about being generous and giving to those in need, etc.

Now don't get me wrong...I like stuff too. I don't think there is anything wrong with having nice things and enjoying the fruits of our hard work and sacrifice. We will certainly do fun things like go on nice vacations, buy nice things, enjoy the resources that God has given us. But, we also understand that everything we have is God's, and we need to be good stewards of His money. Accordingly, we want to use some of the resources God has given us as tools to bless others and further the Kingdom. God has already given Leigh the heart of giving to others...she has been generous in this respect since the day I met her. Over time, God has worked on my heart in this area as well, because I was not always keen on the idea of giving away "my money."

You can do this too!

We aren't special, and if you listen to the Dave Ramsey show, you'll hear people everyday who make a whole lot more money than we do, and a whole lot less than we do, become debt free. Just like the parable of the talents in Matthew 25, I have seen the Lord continue to bless us as we continued to seek to be good stewards of the resources he has provided us. I don't know God's plans for each and every believer, but I am convinced that God blesses faithfulness and diligence. If you prove yourself faithful to manage God's money, He might just give you more to manage. I really encourage everyone who reads this to go through Financial Peace University. It could be one of the most valuable investments you've ever made.

Putting things in perspective

Money is not the key to happiness. Money is temporary, and it will fade. You cannot take it with you when your time on this earth is over. Does that mean we should be flippant with it? Of course not...but we should keep in mind that it does not have eternal value and thus shouldn't consume all of our focus.

Matthew 6:19-20 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

God Bless!
- Matt & Leigh

P.S. I wrote some extra stuff below which isn't really all that important, but if you just like to read stuff then be my guest.

Some other stuff

How did we do it? Well, we ended up waiting a little longer than most after we got married to buy a house. We were married for about 3.5 years before buying because we wanted to save up a 20% down payment. That already put us 20% or 1/5 of the way to paying off the house. For the first 4 years of our mortgage, we did refinance it down to a 15 year and we might have made a few extra principle payments, but we only knocked off about $5,000 of the balance each year. Once we did FPU and realized that if we threw every penny at the house we could pay it off extremely fast, we were focused. Everything I made from Boot Camp went to paying off the house. If Leigh worked extra hours, it went toward the house. Bonus at work, we spent it on fun stuff...ppppsshhhh...yeah right! Nope, the bonus went toward the house as well. And of course, budgeting every month so that we didn't spend more than we had to. It took focus because when we knew we had a few extra thousand we could use to buy something else, we had to remember what was more important. So, after 2 years of living below our means, we can say it was TOTALLY worth it!

Meeting Dave and visiting Financial Peace Plaza was one of the most fun experiences we could have imagined. First of all, the entire staff there at FPP was incredible! It was like visiting a giant Chick-fil-a...customer service was impeccable and everyone was incredibly friendly, helpful and genuine. You can tell the people that work there know that their work matters and they love what they do. I also thought it was amazing that Dave took the time to come out into the lobby and visit with people in between radio breaks. I mean, Dave is a multi-millionaire many times over, is the CEO of a large and growing multi-faceted business, and he takes the time to come out and visit with whoever happens to come into his studio.

Dave Ramsey is being used powerfully by God to not only spread Biblical financial wisdom that truly changes people's lives...but he is being used powerfully by God to spread the Gospel! I could go on and on talking about Dave, but I think you get the picture...BIG FAN!

I mentioned some stuff about income above. Speaking of income...I am convinced that most people's financial difficulty isn't related to how much money they make, it's how much they spend. I think that most Americans have plenty of resources and if they just work hard and make wise financial decisions, they'll put themselves in a position to experience a good standard of living and retire with dignity. Before I landed my first HR job, I worked at a finance company and I saw people who made upwards of $400k/year who were in debt up to their eyeballs. They had so much debt, they couldn't qualify for a bank loan, and that is why they were reaching out to a finance company to borrow even more. These people made 3x what we made on our best year, and all it led to was more debt. On the flip side, there are people who call into Dave's show who have a household income of less than $50k, and they are debt free. Certainly, more income makes it easier to get out of debt if you are properly focused...but the reverse is true too...it can put you deeper into debt. So for those who say "if I made X-dollars I could get out of debt too", my argument would be, why can't you do that on what you make now? Is it more likely that those people would just have more "stuff" and just as much, if not more debt? Certainly there are exceptions, and we have friends who make well over $250k/year as well as friends who make less than $30k/year. Financial wisdom applies no matter how much you make.



I want to thank my parents, Randy and Jane. They made the trip to Financial Peace Plaza with us to celebrate our Debt Free milestone...and we are so glad they came. We not only enjoyed celebrating with them, but they were an immense help with Kelsey and Kacy. We would have been very stressed and overwhelmed without their help. Also, my Dad gave me sound financial wisdom growing up which helped me stay away from credit card debt and student loans. I am so thankful for my parents for teaching and training me, and for being awesome even when I wasn't always the most obedient child growing up :)

To all of the other participants who have gone through an FPU class that we coordinated...you guys are next! Whenever you are debt free, we want to go back to Financial Peace Plaza with you to celebrate!

The Journey isn't over!

Robby and Melissa - Living Like No One Else!

Man have I got an awesome story for you guys. This is a real life story about a subject that touches every area of our lives. Please take a few minutes and read on...I think it will be worth your time.

Meet Robby (also goes by Tate) and Melissa. To say we're a little bit proud of these two is an understatement...but we're just a little bit proud of these two.

The couple that gets gainz together, remains together :)

I met Robby and Melissa at the gym, and recognized Robby as a friend of my brother Steve. We got to talking and ended up all working out together a few times a week.
Robby and Melissa were engaged to be married in a few months, and I took the opportunity to tell them about Financial Peace University. You see, my wife Leigh and I believe that being on the same page with money is one of the most important things that you can do to ensure a healthy marriage relationship. Statistics prove over and over that money fights are the #1 cause of divorce in America. If you know how to communicate about money, and work together to achieve common goals; your marriage immediately avoids the biggest destructive issue out there. What is more, Financial Peace doesn't just teach you how to handle money God's way and avoid the stresses of burdensome debt, it is like marriage counseling. It teaches how to appreciate and honor your spouse in a God-centered relationship. I did my best sales pitch for why they should do it, and they signed up!

CRISIS MODE

Until we started the first week of Financial Peace University, I had no idea how bad Robby and Melissa's situation was. Melissa had just lost her job the month before, they were planning for a wedding and had already spent any savings they had toward that, they had just purchased a home a few months before, and they had two vehicles, one brand new, with $1,000/month in car payments between the two of them. Because Melissa lost her job they were behind on a few items and they couldn't borrow any more money on their credit cards....they were absolutely drowning. They were trying not to show it, but they were stressed out and scared. The amount of money coming in each month was less than the payments they owed, and the hole they were in seemed to get deeper and deeper. Collectors were calling...and with a wedding weeks away, stress was mounting. This was definitely a crisis.

THE PLAN

SELL THE TRUCK!

Leigh and I walked through Robby and Melissa's budget with them and found some areas that needed attention. The things we told them they needed to consider doing weren't easy, and I remember telling Leigh that we were going to find out really quick how serious these two are about getting out of debt. Here are some of the action items we discussed: Melissa's full-time job was finding a job - the income level had to come up, the cell phone bill was outrageous and needed to be cut way back, we suggested cut off cable TV to reduce expenses, suggested a temporary stop to Robby's retirement contributions, reduce any wedding related cost possible, don't spend any money unless it is a necessity...and the biggest one of all...sell Robby's gorgeous 2014 Dodge Ram 1500 that he just bought last year (even if that meant he'd sell it for less than he owed, finance the difference, and buy a cheap used truck). WOAH! What would you do if you were faced with that advice? Doesn't sound like fun at all...especially selling your dream truck and trading it in for a high mileage older model. Did I mention the 2014 Dodge Ram was Motor Trend's Truck of the Year? I honestly worried that suggesting to Robby that he needed to sell the truck had the potential to make them quit Financial Peace University. When people are faced with some uncomfortable decisions...when they have to decide if they want to sacrifice now to win later...some are willing to do it, and some just aren't. Well guess what...

THESE TWO ARE SERIOUS!

They started attacking their action items and checked off each item. Over the next several weeks Melissa went on interviews and landed a solid full-time job, they cut their cell phone bill by $100/month, they cut off their cable TV (are you serious Clark?) saving another $100/month, they temporarily stopped Robby's retirement contributions (more $$ savings), and they found ways to keep from spending more money on their wedding. They didn't spend any unnecessary money and even started selling whatever they could part with to scrape together some more cash. They got married on May 10th, delayed their honeymoon plans (more on that later), and then shortly thereafter, they dropped the bomb on their debt by selling Robby's truck and purchasing a $6,000 used truck. HOLY COW! I don't know what the official measurement is for seriousness...but these two have got it! They decided they were all about getting out of debt and winning with money!

FINANCIAL PEACE GRADUATES!

Financial Peace University Graduates!!!

Robby and Melissa began Financial Peace University on April 7th, and graduated 9 weeks later on June 2nd. Their situation went from a crisis to control and focus. They are gaining control of their money by budgeting where it goes every month. They are working towards Baby Step #1 which is having an emergency fund of $1,000 cash in the bank (they are already half way there) and they are about to begin seriously attacking their debt with the positive monthly cash flow they will now have. During the 9 weeks of Financial Peace University, they paid off $21,000 in debt, cut up 5 credit card accounts, and saved $500 cash. That is in just 9 short weeks!!! They've bought into what Dave Ramsey teaches...the same advice that you could find if you studied the scriptures...and they are starting to win. Certainly, this is a marathon, not a sprint, and the hard work isn't over for these two. BUT I can tell you that they have a plan, and they're going to do really, REALLY well.

Sandals - Whitehouse, Jamaica

Robby and Melissa are making sacrifices that many others aren't willing to make. They are living like no one else now...so that later, they can live (and give) like no one else. Oh yes, I told you that I'd tell you more about their honeymoon plans. Well, you wouldn't expect that they would go drop a bunch of money on a honeymoon and go further into debt while they are working so hard to pay down their existing debt would you? I don't think so, these guys are rockstars...they are the real deal. They plan to work really hard, pay off all of their debt except for their mortgage, and then save up cash to go on an awesome Sandals vacation in 2016. That's right...a vacation paid for with cash. Let me tell you, that is the way you can REALLY enjoy a vacation. If you pay cash, the debt doesn't follow you home...only the memories do!

WE'RE SO PROUD!

The Tortoise wins every time!

Robby and Melissa, Leigh and I are incredibly proud of you. This is the 3rd Financial Peace class we've taught, and we've had a number of awesome couples graduate the program. However, we don't think we've seen anyone come as far in just 9 weeks, or be as seriousness, excited and intense as you two. We are excited to see what you can do in the future as you seek to be diligent stewards of God's money. Remember what Dave says...."the Tortoise wins!" The race isn't over yet and consistency is key! Keep budgeting every month and keep your eyes focused on your goals.

Always remember that everything we have is God's, and while He wants us to enjoy the fruits of our diligence, there are greater purposes for the resources He has given us. What can you do to bless others? Can you teach someone? Can you help someone? In doing so, how can you show the love of Christ? How can you point others to Him through your actions and your love? Our encouragement is that you continue to grow in your relationship with each other, and your relationship with the Lord. If you only focus on the financial aspects of what you've learned in the last 9 weeks, then you'll just have Financial (and not the Peace). However, if you put just as much diligence into growing your relationship with the Lord, you'll experience tremendous blessings and experience joy and peace. Money is a big deal, but it's not as big a deal as your walk with the Lord and your testimony. We encourage you to regularly spend time in prayer, Bible reading/study, and fellowship with other believers. Seek opportunities to serve and grow, and tell others about the Savior of the universe who offers salvation to all who come to Him. Be spiritual leaders in your families and in your circle of friends. Step up, step out, and be who God made you to be!

And remember what Dave always says... "There is only one way to Financial Peace, and that is to walk daily with the Prince of Peace, Christ Jesus."

Your Friends,
- Matt & Leigh

Participants for the March Shred!!!

Alright people, we need to finalize the March Shred List so that I can e-mail out the tracking sheet to everyone. Here are the people I have on the list who said they'll be doing the Shred. If your name isn't on this list, and you want to join, please reply in a comment below, or e-mail me. Sorry, the list is not in alphabetical order :)

Kalli Harrison
Kim Oliver
Julian Magee
Wendy Castenell
Mary Munnerlyn
Mike Abele
Lauren Robbins
Melissa Jinright
Courtney Williams
Nathan McMullin
Steve Abele
Vanessa Rogers
Anita Jones
Meredith Renfro
Beth Warren
Matt Abele
Leight Abele
John Drosyk
Bethany Freeman
Nicole Adams
Tracy Allgrove
Bobby Brown
Jessica Drosyk
Glenn Fowler
Jeanetta Fowler
Audra Laking
Lacresha Merkle
Nick Merkle
Brandon Morehouse
Jon Owen
Melissa Prickett
Danno Allgrove
Melissa Woodall
Robby Tate
Todd Clark
Lisa Griswell
Hayley Lavendar
Carole Nettles
Alyson Yarema
Barry Jones
Rachel Jones
Kristin Dyson

I'll plan on sending out the tracking sheet e-mail tomorrow...and we start this thing on SATURDAY!!!

March Shred Rule #5: Plan Your Food Every Day!

Missed the Introduction to the March Shred? Click HERE.

Plan your food every day!

If you don't have a plan for success, you have effectively created a plan for failure. Plan out all of your food for the day at least the day before and then stick to it. Impulse eating is so dangerous because you probably won't impulse eat a few broccoli crowns...it will be cookies or candy or something like that. It is amazing how much we plan various areas of our lives, but sometimes when it comes to something like food, we fly by the seat of our pants and then throw whatever looks good into our stomach. This is a bad plan. If you are married, sit down with your spouse and plan your meals for the upcoming week. You are going to need to have your spouse's buy in on this if you want to be successful. If you are single, you just have to convince yourself...good luck with that :)

How I suggest you start planning your food

Matt & Leigh's meal plan for the January Shred

If you really want to be successful, plan out your dinners for the ENTIRE MONTH. I know that will take a little bit of time, but it will be well worth it, and you might also save some grocery money because you can eat leftovers! How about that?!?! Get in better shape and save some money! #WINNING!

If you have a calendar, write down what you plan to eat each evening. While you are at it, plan out which days of your week are going to be the "rest days" where you aren't doing Boot Camp or strength training. These are your low carb days, so you'll definitely need to plan well for those days. Not sure what has carbs? You may need to do a little research and learn how to read food labels; but fruits, sugars, breads and starches are things you'll want to avoid on a low carb day. Basically, stick to lean meats and veggies and you're likely to be successful there.

As you can see, the photo to the right is the meal plan Leigh and I came up with when we did the January Shred. This is only dinners, but I had a plan for lunch as well...mostly a sandwich, sometimes a salad or leftovers from dinner. The dates that are circled (Tues & Thurs) were our low carb meals. You'll notice there are no potatoes and rice on those days. You'll also notice I can't spell very well without spell-check...so if you feel the need to call me out on that go ahead, you won't be telling me anything I don't already know :) You will also notice that I can basically eat the same types of foods over and over without going completely insane. That is both good and bad. If you have a lot more variety in your meal plan...awesome! I'll freely admit we don't experiment a whole lot with food, so our "go to" healthy meals are fairly limited. We have added a few new meals though for the March Shred, so that will be good.

How you know if you are performing Rule #5 successfully

In order to avoid losing a point for not properly performing Rule #5 on a given day, you'll need to have a plan for what you are going to eat by at least the night before. That means before you wake up tomorrow morning, you have already planned out your meals and any snacks that you are going to eat for the day. Then the kicker...you have to stick to it! If you break the plan and impulse eat on something you shouldn't, you cannot take credit for successfully completing rule #5.

Helpful Tip

Don't go to the grocery store on an empty stomach. Bad choices that you could normally pass on look down right irresistible when your stomach is growling. Try to shop after a meal, and make a list and stick to the grocery list! If there is bad food in the house, I'm going to find it and I'm going to eat it. The solution? Don't put bad food in the house!

March Shred Rule #10: Eat Out Less than Twice Per Week!

Missed the Introduction to the March Shred? Click HERE.

Eat out less than 2 times per week.

In my humble opinion, this might be the most difficult of all of the 10 rules. This is a tough one because it requires extremely good planning and discipline. Even without trying, I probably eat out 5 or more times per week. Some people I know eat out every single day...seriously...every day. The problem is out to eat food is designed to taste really good, and to not spoil quickly. Therefore, these foods are typically LOADED with calories, unhealthy carbs and fats.

Truth be told, there really aren't many healthy options out there...but there are a few. For your out to eat during the week, make a good decision. For example, a low calorie sub at Subway on wheat bread. Like anything else though, you have to watch the condiments. For your out to eat meal on the weekend, you are allowed to cheat in order to keep your sanity...but just restrict it to that one meal...not an all day calorie stuffing binge.

What about that cheat meal?

So much to say about the cheat meal... First of all, if you somehow think the cheat meal will spike your metabolism, throw your body off balance and actually help you burn more fat and lose more weight...you're fooling yourself. It's a great thought, but a cheat meal where you consume a bunch of calories does in fact work against your goals. Then why even have one? Well...if you don't need one, don't take one. But, some people will simply quit if they don't get a pizza or a burger from time to time...so in the long run, cheating once per week is a whole lot better than quitting the plan all together. Especially since the way some of us eat...every meal is a cheat meal :)

At your cheat meal, anything is allowed. That means if you want to drink a coke or a tea...go for it...that won't count against your points...BUT eating out will count against the points you can earn each week for not eating out at all. If you want dessert with your meal...do it! BUT...the rule is you need to keep it to 1 meal. Not a window of a few hours where you just eat whatever you want. We want to try to minimize the damage somewhat.

Saving some serious cash!!!

Even though we have a budget and try to avoid out to eat food...we usually spend $200 to $300 a month on out to eat food. Kinda ridiculous since I already think we spend too much on groceries. If you don't budget, or aren't really trying to limit how much you eat out...you are probably spending even more! So what happens if you cut it down to eating out 2 times per week or less? You save a bunch of money!!! So what are Leigh and I doing with the extra money we are going to save this month? DUH...celebrating April 1st by going out to eat and dropping some mad cash on dinner...and that isn't an April Fools joke!

How you know if you are performing Rule #10 successfully

Alright now, some of you campers out there (you know who you are) are really stretching on this one. I had someone ask me if they bought a salad at Chick-fil-a if it counted as eating out. Um...yes...if you purchased your food from a restaurant, you ate out. So here is the breakdown of how you can earn points for this rule each week.

If you don't eat out at all in a week, you earn 7 additional points for the week.
If you eat out one time in a week, you earn 6 additional points for the week.
If you eat out two times in a week, you earn 5 additional points for the week.
If you eat out more than two times in a week, you don't earn any additional points for the week.

Helpful Tip

WARNING: Some people end up adhering much better to a plan when they DON'T CHEAT AT ALL. Sometimes, having that cheat meal just wets the appetite for more bad stuff. So, know what works for you, and do what you know is going to be best for you to be successful on the Shred!

March Shred Rule #9: Eat 2-3 Servings of Green Vegetables Every Day!

Missed the Introduction to the March Shred? Click HERE.

Eat 2-3 Servings of Green Vegetables Per Day

Say what? Green veggies? Does eating 3 slices of supreme pizza count? Seriously, when is the last time you ate 2-3 servings of green vegetables in a day? Can't remember can you? Now look, I'm not about to go all vegetarian or vegan on you, but most likely you don't get nearly enough vegetables in your diet. If I'm being honest...neither do I...and that is to our detriment. Green veggies are extremely low calorie, but are also nutritious and very filling. When you make it a point to eat 2-3 servings of these little beauties each day, you are helping to avoid the more calorie dense foods that can throw off your weight loss and fat loss plan. "Well I don't like green veggies...they taste nasty!" (insert whinny 5 year old voice here and begin stomping feet). Changing  your body is going to require you to change some of your habits. If you keep doing what you've always done, your going to keep getting what you've always got!

So, try adding veggies to some lean protein and you have a filling meal that is also low calorie! Some ideas: broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, zucchini, asparagus, spinach, green beans, peas, lettuce, collards, leeks, etc.

How you know if you are performing Rule #9 successfully

Simple...I'll even break it down step by step for you. 1) Go to grocery store. 2) Put green veggies in your basket. 3) Purchase green veggies. 4) Take green veggies home with you. 5) Store green veggies in refrigerator. 6) Find serving size for appropriate green veggies. 7) Prepare and eat 2 to 3 of said servings of green veggies every day. If you do this, you earn your veggie point for the day. If you don't, start back at step 1 and repeat until you get this right!

Helpful Tip

You have to find out what veggies you like so you don't feel like you have to choke down a handful of sod at every meal. Broccoli is my go to. I love this stuff. We have a pampered chef steamer and it only takes 5 minutes to steam a bunch of broccoli. Put a small amount of butter and a little salt or lemon pepper seasoning and BOOM! Low calorie awesomeness. If you are unfamiliar with how to prepare various veggies, just go online and do some google or youtube searching.

March Shred Rule #8: Eat Plenty of Protein!

Missed the Introduction to the March Shred? Click HERE.

Eat at Least .5g of Protein per Pound of Body Weight (or 150g if you weigh 300lbs or more)

One of the keys to burning fat and maintaining a low body fat % long term is maintaining your lean muscle mass. The more lean mass you have, the higher your metabolism will be, and the more calories you will burn at rest. Every day you should try to get plenty of protein so that you are able to maintain, and possibly even build lean muscle. Shoot for .5g or more per pound of body weight. Those who are doing heavy strength training and looking to put on muscle mass may shoot for .8g or more per pound of body weight. Getting your protein through lean meats (chicken, fish, lean pork, lean ground turkey, lean beef) is the best source. After lean meats, egg whites and low fat dairy (skim or 1% milk, low fat mozzarella cheese and Greek yogurt), and then of course you can supplement through protein powders/shakes. Protein is also the most satiating macro-nutrient, so it will make you more full than carbs and fats.

Basic Info about Protein Supplementation

I've had someone ask me a few questions about protein supplementation, so I thought this post was appropriate to address some of those questions.

Should I take protein powders?
If you are unable to obtain enough protein through your diet, then I think supplementing through protein powders is a good strategy. If you are able to get enough protein without supplementation, then save your money.

Which is better, whey or casein?
The primary difference between whey and casein protein is the speed at which your body is able to break it down and utilize it. Whey protein is absorbed faster and therefore is usually the choice by most people who workout as a pre and post-workout supplement. Casein breaks down more slowly, and is usually marketed as a supplement that you take before bedtime that your body will break down slowly while you sleep. Is one better than the other? Eh...not really. Many protein powders actually offer a mix of whey and casein, such as MusclePharm Combat Protein. There are also powders made with Soy protein, but generally that is considered a lower quality protein, and from my experience, the taste is terrible.

What brand is best?
Depends on which supplement company you ask :) There are plenty of good protein blends out there. Everyone has their own preferences, so I'd probably just leave it at that...find something you like. The only piece of advice I'd offer is look at the nutritional values. You want to find something that has very few carbs and fats...and is primarily protein. Optimum Nutrition is one of the cleanest (low calories, carbs and fat) protein powders I've found that also tastes good.

How you know if you are performing Rule #8 successfully

Pretty simple. Track your protein and eat at least .5g every day. Or, if you weigh 300lbs or more, you will want to get in 150g of protein, but no real need to go above that. If you eat less than that, you don't get credit for completing rule #8 and no points for you!

Helpful Tip

Build all of your meals around a good lean protein source (meat). Consider boiling some egg whites and eating those if you are needing to fit some more protein in (6g protein per egg white). Low fat mozzarella cheese sticks have about 8g of protein and are usually about 80 calories.