This video is the perfect example of why it’s hard to eat “healthy”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Ua-WVg1SsA
It seems like “health food” trends change every couple of years. Instead of chasing every health food trend out there, focus on your macros: Protein, Fat, and Carbohydrates
Protein – Protein helps our bodies function every day. It’s also a reserve of energy and builds muscles. It also helps us maintain muscle mass when we’re losing weight. It reduces your desire for other food cravings. Look to lean meats as your main source of protein: chicken, turkey, fish, and lean beef. Protein digests slowly and helps you feel full longer.
Fat – Fat is an essential nutrient, and it makes food taste better. Fat can be broken down into two subgroups: saturated and unsaturated fats. Saturated fats are typically found in animal sources. Think high-fat dairy and beef fat. Unsaturated fats are found in plant and fish food sources. Think salmon, olive oil, and nuts. Try and lower the amount of saturated fat you eat, and increase the unsaturated fat. This is why we choose lean meats when we pick protein at the grocery store. Fat also digests slowly which makes you feel full longer.
Carbohydrates – Carbs are not the devil. There. I said it. Carbs have earned a bad reputation, but your body won’t function properly without some carbohydrates. But there’s a huge difference between simple carbohydrates (ie. Sugar) and complex carbohydrates (ie. Potatoes). Simple carbohydrates are digested quickly and cause you to have spikes in your blood sugar and leave you feeling hungry much sooner than complex carbohydrates. These digest slower and help maintain your blood sugar so you don’t get hangry. Some good sources of complex carbohydrates are fruits, vegetables (yes, veggies are considered a carb), beans, and sweet potatoes.
Water – Aim for at least (that means at bare minimum) consume at least half your body weight in ounces per day. More is better; you will be amazed how good you feel if you drink a gallon of water a day for a week.
What it comes down to: Don’t chase health trends. Keep it simple. And if you need help, feel free to inquire about our Nutrition Consultation services!
Happy sweating!
Erica
