Nutrition Tips for a Healthy Lifestyle

I was just writing up this nutrition tip sheet for my Boot Camp fitness class tomorrow, and I thought, my blog readers would appreciate this too! So, here are some great tips for healthy weight management, without having to diet!

 Eat meals and snacks on a schedule. Sticking to regular daily patterns trains your brain when to expect food and when not to, so you’re less likely to grab food in between meals. The unplanned snacks are the ones that are usually full of calories and sugar.

 No more white flour!! At least two studies have found that people who eat the most WHOLE GRAINS have less belly fat than those who eat fewer of these complex carbs. The higher fiber content in 100% whole wheat bread and pasta keeps you feeling fuller longer, which is great!

 Don’t run away from fat! Healthy fats like nuts, seeds, avocado, and olive oil can actually HELP you lose weight(and cellulite). They provide flavor, texture and keep you fuller longer. Just don’t eat them as the main event, use them in moderation.

 Go Veggie at least one day a week. There are plenty of studies that show that people who ate the most meat were more likely to be obese and to have abdominal obesity(the most dangerous fat is around your middle). Not to mention, they are tons of toxins and added chemicals in meats you find in the grocery store.

 Protein, Protein, Protein. I can’t stress this enough! You need protein for every single cell in your body to function – we are talking muscles, skin, hair, organs, brain, etc. Not to mention, protein powers your metabolism. Better metabolism = easier weight loss. And my first recommendation is the Cinch Protein Shake I drink for breakfast each morning. Tons of protein and tons of vitamins and minerals. And it actually keeps me full until lunch!

 Sip water before you snack or eat. The nerve signals that go to your brain don’t differentiate between hunger and thirst, so if you think you’re starving, you may just be thirsty!

 Go Organic!! The chemicals and toxins in our food get stored in our fat and hinder your ability to lose weight and be healthy. Not all of us can afford to go 100% organic every time we shop. The solution? Focus on those foods that come with the heaviest burden of pesticides, additives and hormones such as: Meats, dairy, coffee, celery, peaches, nectarines, bell peppers, leafy greens, spinach, apples, strawberries, blueberries, cherries, potatoes, grapes, pears, carrots, and tomatoes.

Do you have any other tips to share with us? We'd love to hear them!