HAPPY NATIONAL NUTRITION MONTH!
Many people think of food as the "enemy". It's the one that "made them fat" or it what they "can't have on a diet". Take a look at the definition of nutrition: The process of providing or obtaining the food
necessary for health and growth. The process of nourishing or being nourished.
Nutrition must be priority
NUMBER ONE. Without the proper nutrition, physically obtaining your goals won't happen. Whether it's weight loss or training your success depends on your nutrition!
Not ENOUGH calories or not the RIGHT calories can effect your intended outcome.
By eating wisely,
you will reap the benefits of being properly fueled. Maximize muscle
growth, aide recovery and replenish glycogen stores, and you'll have the
energy and endurance to power you through your workouts and athletic
endeavors.
TIP 1: Eat Naturally
Focus on things that come from the earth, not a factory. "If you can pronounce it you shouldn't eat it" The best
advice is, when shopping at the grocery store, stay along the outside
walls where you find fruits, vegetables, beans and lean sources of meat.
All of these occur naturally. This helps keep those processed foods and
sugar-packed snacks, all of which will kill your metabolism, out of the
cart. Also, leave the white potatoes behind. This vegetable contains an
awful lot of starch that your body converts to sugar almost immediately
with little work.
TIP 2: No Chemical Toxins
Avoid artificial sweeteners (especially Splenda). These are most
often consumed in Crystal Light, diet sodas and “sugar-free” products.
Think of them as toxins (because they are) that slow down your body’s
metabolism. Drink plenty of water.
TIP 3: Control Your Portion Size
Use small coffee mugs to eat your cereal in the morning. Get rid of
all the large plates and cups in your house and only eat with the
smaller or children’s sizes. Eat slowly, being certain to chew your food
thoroughly before swallowing. Try to eat slower than the slowest eater
at the table. If you go to a restaurant, split a meal with your partner,
or once your portion is delivered, cut it in half and have the waiter
box up half of the dish for another meal.
TIP 4: Carbs to Fuel
Carbohydrates are an important nutrient for athletes because they
maintain blood glucose levels during exercise and replace muscle
glycogen, the carbohydrate that is stored inside muscles. Muscle
glycogen is the main fuel during prolonged exercise. Focus on whole grains and NOT refined carbs (like white and processed)
TIP 5: FLUIDS!
Adequate fluid intake before, during, and after exercise is important
for health and optimal performance. Two to three hours before exercise,
drink 15-20 ounces or water, and then another 8-10 ounces ten to fifteen
minutes before exercise. During exercise, drink 8-10 ounces every ten
to fifteen minutes.
Drink water throughout the day and a full glass before meals!
Need some great CLEAN recipes?? Head to my favorite resource!
www.thegraciouspantry.com/
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT HOW HEALTHY THINGS REALLY ARE?
Check out the app FOODUCATE
