Nutrition 101 - Keep it Simple; Keep it Real

 As a Certified Nutrition Coach, brand Partner and an elite Master athlete I talk to people ALL the time about nutrition.  I get it - there are a million and one thoughts about what eating "healthy" looks like.  And there should be at least that many because the current population of the world is 8.1 Billion - different cultures, different foods, different food plans.  Admittedly, there are some who have better nutritional habits; some countries don't allow many of the chemicals to be added to food stuffs that are found in ultra processed calories available on our grocery store shelves.  

I believe that simple is always best when it comes to nutrition so here are a few things that have worked and continue to work for me (DISCLAIMER - I AM NOT A PHYSICIAN OR A REGISTERED DIETICIAN NUTRITIONIST)

1.     Listen to your body.  Your body will tell you when it IS happy and when it is not.  An unhappy body is said to be uneasy or "diseased."  Many lifestyle diseases are avoidable and, addressed early on, reversible.  Pharmaceuticals don't heal and for many, they're a bandaid on an evisceration.  Your body is hemorrhaging health while symptoms are being covered by prescriptions.  

2.     Drink water.  If you're currently drinking none - start with some.  First thing in the morning, take a drink.  And then every chance you get, take another.  If your go-to is pop (regular or diet) start by reducing and working toward the goal of elimination and saving pop for the 4th of July root beer float! 

3.    Pick some fruits and veggies you like, wash and cut them and put them in bags or sealable containers.  Snack on these instead of chips, pretzels or peanuts.  Plants are full of soluble and insoluble fiber, antioxidants, essential vitamins and minerals and if you get the ones YOU like, you'll enjoy eating them.  Teach your body to enjoy plants and you'll eventually be reaching for them. (And if you simply can't stomach fruits or veggies talk to me - I have a solution for that)!

4.    Eat lean protein. Turkey and fish pack a nutrient wallop as does tofu but hey, do you Boo.  if you like beef, keep it lean.  If you're a vegetarian, learn to like Tofu and clean, organic yogurt.  Eggs are an affordable, simple to prepare and can be cooked ot your liking.  There's no "wrong" when it comes to protein (except saying peanut butter is protein.  Nope. Not. It isn't).  

5.     As much as possible, minimize processed anything.     And avoid entirely the ULTRA PROCESSED EVERYTHING.  If you don't recognize what's on the label and can't swear to where it comes from, probably best NOT going in your mouth.  Keep ingredient labels short and pronounceable.  REAL food comes from plants (and animals) - it isn't made IN a plant. (NOTE:  there are ALWAYS exceptions - this is ot a blanket statement about consumeables made in a plant). 

6.    MOVE YOUR BODY.  If you're currently sedentary start doing something you LIKE.  If you'renot a walker, dance.  If you're not a dancer, run.  Bike, row, hike, lift, yoga, pilates, Zumba - you get the idea.  Get off ya booty and move.  Start small - five to 10 minutes a day.  Consistent effort for three weeks and you'll have created a habit.  

That's it friends.  These are the simple basics of eating "healthy." Fueling your body well doesn't have to cost a fortune.  It can actually SAVE you money to eat well and nutritiously.  Nutritionally sound foods are more nutritient dense, full of real fiber, satisfying protein and healing macro and micro nutrients, essential amino acids and healthy fats.  

There is a LOT of talk and a million and one ideas about how to eat, when, in what quantity.  Read, educate yourself and if something you're reading sounds simple and sustainable, give it a shot. If you have questions, would like to chat about what you've learned, heard or read, please feel free to reach out to me.  Eating shouldn't be a burden.  

Your #wellnessWednesday tip from my heart to yours! WGL, Coach A2

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