Calories are NOT the Enemy

  Today will be the first time that I post about the importance of nutrition! I know I have posted twice already about exercise but nutrition is also a major factor to a healthy lifestyle. All of us may fall off the "bandwagon" at some point, but remember you can always hop back on. This post is going to be about weight management strategies.  I find that many people go to extreme and unhealthy measures to lose weight or maintain their figure.  I figured this would be perfect for eating disorders awareness week. 

   Look at nutrition as managing a bank account. Vegetables and fruit are your low price items v.s. foods high in fat and sugar such as those baked goods or fried foods would be high ticketed items. We all want to manage our budget and not go over, right? It's OKAY to treat ourselves every once in a while. There is nothing wrong with that.

 Here are a few tips everyone can follow!

•  1 lb = 3,500 calories
• If you want to lose 1 pounds in a week, you would need to cut out or expend 500 calories every day. 
• You're probably wondering what is a SAFE and OBTAINABLE weight loss? 1-2 lbs a week ensures you maximize fat loss and NOT muscle loss.
• Also, you do not want to cut out too many calories because there is a greater chance of early onset of fatigue.
• Never skip meals
• You will eventually end up eating way more later on.
• Muscle will be used for energy (muscle breakdown).
• Won't be able to exercise for long periods of time.
• Avoid processed foods
• Usually high in sodium, fat, or sugar. 
• Just take a look at the label. Bet you can't pronounce half of the words listed under the ingredients. 
• Eat PLENTY of vegetables throughout the day.
• They are high in fiber and low in calories.
• They also have TONS of vitamins and minerals!
• Eat as many as you want.
• Starchy veggies consist of:
• Corn
• Peas
• Beans
• Sweet Potatoes
• White Potatoes
• Carrots
• Increase dietary fiber
• This will help satisfy hunger 
• Sources:
• Whole wheat products
• Fruit
• Vegetables
• Do not fry foods in oil or fat
• Instead, broil, saute, microwave, or bake foods.
• Eat smaller portions
• Simply try to eat 1/4 less at each meal.
• Eat slowly
• I am even guilty of not eating slow! 
• It takes time for our bodies to sense that we are full
• Prevents overeating
• Eat proteins that are lower in fat
• Chicken
• Lean ground meat
• Pork
• Fish
• Eggs
• Skim milk
• Turkey

  I hope these simple tips help you out! There will be more to come :) Remember, nutrition is SO important to living a long and healthy life. You can also look at your body as a car. You have to maintain your car to for it run. You have to put fuel in it or it is not going to work. Putting clean and proper nutrients, minerals, calories will help the car last for a longer time. I GUARANTEE you will feel better and more energized when adding more whole foods into your diet! Give it a shot!