5 Questions: Tina Glass of Results by Tina
Win top honors at your first competitive figure athlete contest: check. Gain certification as a professional personal trainer: check. Open your own training studio: check. Tina Glass, owner of Results by Tina Personal Training Studio, has all the moves to get you in shape, but she also knows that none of it counts if you don’t eat well.
In a nutshell, what is the key to eating like a personal trainer?
The key for me is planning and meal prep. When I have healthy food readily available, it makes it much easier for me to eat healthy. When selecting healthy foods, I use simple criteria: Can I grow it, pick it from a tree or raise it on a farm? If food items meet my criteria, then I know that they’re natural and that my body will know how to process it properly.
What is the one nutrition question you get asked most often?
People ask me most often what foods they need to eat to get a six pack or to get rid of belly fat. Abs are definitely made in the kitchen! My first answer is that you can’t “spot reduce.” Most likely, you’re going to lose fat in other areas as well as your midsection. To reduce body fat, you should try to eat clean at least 85-90 percent of the time. Reduce sugar intake and include healthy fats in your diet. Also try to consume lean proteins and fibrous vegetables. Paired with exercise, this will help boost your metabolism and strip off fat, which will help you reach your goals.
In your experience as a trainer, how does diet affect physical performance?
Diet is a key component to performance. Training requires large amounts of energy and food is energy. When you eat poorly and train, it’s impossible for your body to perform and recover at peak levels. Strength and endurance training requires protein, carbohydrates and fats. Training actually induces damage in your muscles. The rebuilding process is what leads to growth, and without proper nutrition, you can prolong and drastically decrease gains. That would be tragic, considering all of the physical work that goes into training.
Which food items are always stocked in your kitchen and why?
A few items that I keep stocked in my kitchen are eggs, oatmeal, chicken breasts, vegetables, yams, peanut butter (to which I have to admit that I have an addiction and could probably eat an entire jar) and protein powder. I try to have a balance of healthy fats, carbs and proteins stocked in my kitchen. It makes it easy for me to maintain a healthy weight and stay on track.
What is the one nutritional change readers can make that makes a big impact?
Drink more water. When we think about nutrition, we have a tendency to only think about food. Every cell in your body needs water to help it function and work properly. Replacing a fruit drink or diet soda with water will help reduce extra calories and sugar. Studies show that people who drink more water have a tendency to eat less, which will also help you lose weight if that is your goal. I start my day with 16-20 oz. of water to help wake up my system and I carry it with me to drink in order to stay hydrated.
Lightning Round
The one workout you’re dying to try: Flying trapeze workout. I’ve always loved watching aerial performers and I think that it would be a great workout. Scary, but exhilarating … Did I mention I’m afraid of heights? Face your fears.
Your celebrity wellness “crush”: Massy Arias. I wouldn’t say crush, but I have a lot of respect and admiration for her. She has an incredible, infectious passion for fitness. I love that she looks healthy and that she motivates others to become healthier.
The snack you always keep on hand: Raw almonds. They’re easy to store and make a great snack. I keep them at home, my studio, my car … So if you need almonds, just come find me.
Your favorite way to treat yo’self after a long workout: Occasionally — more than I should — I’ll treat myself to new workout clothes. I also love pineapple. It’s my favorite fruit and I usually have it with a protein shake after a workout. It tastes amazing and it helps with soreness and inflammation.
