Nutrition is priority ONE

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/

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