Hi friends!
So today let's chat about clean eating.
Clean eating is often the part of health and fitness that people feel the most lost in. But it doesn't have to be complicated and is a lot easier than you think.
So for starters....
- You want to eat 5 to 6 meals every single day. That means you should be eating every 2 to 3 hours.
- Breakfast should be eaten within 1 hour of waking up. It truly is the most important meal of the day! Your body has been fasting for hours and needs some good nutrients to get it started and ready for your day.
- If your food contains ingredients you cannot pronounce, you should NOT be eating it.
- You need to familiarize yourself with sugar and its sneaky names. Sugar is hidden in foods you wouldn't imagine and has lots of names. The article below gives you an idea of how many names there are for sugar.
http://www.eatingwell.com/blogs/health_blog/other_names_for_sugar
Now down to the nitty gritty....
- You should be eating a mix of lean proteins and complex carbs. They work together to keep you full until your next meal. They also help your body get the fiber it needs and helps improve your digestion. Complex carbs are things such as whole grains, fruits, and veggies. Lean proteins are going to be things like eggs, fish, turkey, chicken, nuts, and seeds.
- You need a couple servings of healthy fats every single day. I know, I know! Most of us hear fat and want to run the other way. But, our bodies need healthy fats to give us energy, help our body absorb certain vitamins like Vitamins A, D, and E, and it actually helps your body build healthy cells. Healthy fats are things like avocados, nut butters, and olive oil.
- Fresh, fresh, fresh!!! You want to be eating a couple cups of veggies and fruit every single day. Fresh produce helps get your body fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They literally help prevent diseases, help lower blood pressure, and give key nutrients your body needs to work properly to name just a few benefits. So eat up!! :)
A few other key things....
- Stick to the outside aisles of the grocery store. The aisles are where you are going to get the processed foods that you want to steer clear of. Stick to fresh and real food.
- You should be drinking half your body weight in ounces of water every single day. Your body NEEDS water! The article below is amazing at explaining why you need water.
http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/clark2.htm
- You can make so many options of your favorite processed foods with real ingredients. For instance, you can make your own granola bars. Raw oats, nuts, natural peanut butter, raw honey, and some dried fruit is all you need to make delicious ones!
Remember....
It is a lifestyle you are creating and you are going to mess up and have set backs. Consistency is the key. Even if you have an awful day, you get back up and keep going.
You can do it and if you need some extra help, I would love to work with you and help you get started today.
Have a great day friends!
