Part of staying young and fit is connected to how we eat, or our healthy diet. What holds YOU back in having a healthy diet? Is it travel, entertainment, time management or just bad habits? As we usually pursue (and inhale!) what we love, I propose you develop a love for fresh fruits and vegetables! (or plant-based foods!)
Fresh vegetables are fairly easy to prepare in salad, baked or sautéd. Many have shared with me that it's more expensive to eat healthy, but that's not totally true and is many times, an excuse! If you plan ahead and look for specials at farmer's and local markets, you can easily adapt a fast-food schedule to a frequent healthy diet.
Basic Lifestyle Diet
A basic lifestyle diet absolutely works the best. This takes out much of the yo-yo symptoms of going on and off a regimented diet of rules and special programs. If you're very consistent with basic timing and healthy foods, you will find it easier maintain a steady regimene. I am not discounting programs as Weight Watchers and others,as they are very valid programs. But unless those programs are incorporated into your lifestyle with steady accountability, they will be a waste of energy and resources.
Importance of Breakfast
You don't have to be a morning person to have breakfast. Most nutritional experts claim breakfast is extremely important as it breaks the fast after sleeping. It provides fuel, or energy, for your day, similar to putting gas in your vehicle. (or charging it, if electric!) I personally love breakfast as I add fresh-squeezed juice and plenty of berries to my oatmeal. Find what works for you.
Grazing
Many nutritional professionals also claim that eating small amounts more often will keep blood sugar levels more consistent, affecting energy level. The popular term for this is grazing, just as cattle do on a field. I'm not sure that's an extremely attractive picture of eating, but the principle is a valid one and I own it, as one who was born on a dairy farm!
All About Calories
Even if you begin a regular workout routine, that alone will not take off the pounds with optimal results. Counting calories still works! I remember when all the low fat foods were first popular and items just flew off the shelves! Large pastries and desserts were consumed more often as they were touted as low fat! (I was guilty of this as well!) However, look at the calorie count as those items are usually still full of calories!
Additionally, the additives in some some low fat foods are more detrimental to an overall nutritional program, even causing weight gain. So absolutely read labels and be smart in your nutritional plan!
Make your nutritional program fun with a program that will work for you. I have nutritional timing FREE DOWNLOADS available, but that's only a start. A good consistent lifestyle nutritional routine will pay off in the way you feel, look and your level of energy. So if not doing so already, start eating breakfast then graze through your day with plenty of fruits and vegetables!
