NUTRITION & DIET TIPS

NUTRITION & DIET TIPS

1. Eat for what you are going to be doing, and not for what you have done. This means that the majority of your calories should be taken in during the active part of your day. Most of us are active between the hours of 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

2. Stay away from foods high in fat and complex carbohydrates such as pasta, potatoes, breads, etc. when your goal is to lose bodyfat or drop a few pounds. Drink plenty of water during the day. The recommended amount is 8 8 oz. Glasses daily.

3. Stay away from zero carbohydrate fad diets. These types of diet can cause memory lapse, slow bowels, fatigue, and the loss of muscle, which is important in burning fat.

4. Do not skip meals when trying to lose weight. This throws the metabolic clock off balance. As a child our bodies were programmed for three main meals per day (breakfast, lunch and dinner). When that sequence is not being followed, the body throws up its own defense mechanism by holding on to fat to protect itself. The body will burn muscle for energy and save the fat just in case.

5. If you can't flex it, don't carry it. Keep a tab on the scale and mirror. If the bodyfat starts to increase, cut back. Let the last meal of the evening be fruit or a mixed salad with low calorie dressing. Don't forget the water.

6. Keep a nutritional calorie journal. By measuring your calorie intake, you will know whether to add or take away.

7. Compare labels for nutritional information on products when grocery shopping. Be especially aware of the fat and sodium content.

8. Eat four to five small meals a day instead of three large meals. The body will burn the calories more efficiently and the craving for food will not be as great. Keeping in mind that a meal can be the size of a banana, or apple, or bran muffin, or a cup of yogurt.

9. Never wait until you're starving before having a meal. You are most likely to overeat during that time.

10. Break the age old habit of eating everything on your plate. Especially when the portions are large. Leave with a slight feeling of satisfaction.

11. Feed your body quality nutrition. Proper nutrition accounts for 75% of who we are, and our aim should be - "you are what you eat." Quality in and quality out, or junk in and junk out. The body is on a quest, constantly generating new cells and tissue. That process is cut short; however, when empty and worthless calories are given in the body.