 |
Nutrition is the Key
We are very fortunate to have Molly Kimball contribute her vast knowledge of nutrition and overall healthfulness to our first fitness CD. To many of us, nutritional terminology isdifficult to understand and it can be hard to grasp what really is "good" or "bad" for us to eat or drink. Molly breaks her extensive knowledge of nutrition down to simple and easy to understand concepts and solutions. Once done watching her nutritional segment you will come away with an understanding of the basic nutritional elements utilized by your body on a daily basis. Her key program concepts are:
- Eat more often throughout the day
- Eat what will keep you feeling fuller, longer
- Limit starchy carbs at dinner
|
|
|
Eat More Often Throughout The Day
One of the biggest keys to losing weight is to eat more often throughout the day. Eating more often throughout the day can actually rev up your metabolic rate. This calorie burning effect doesn't last all day-only for about four hours. Also this isn't just a free pass to eat whatever and whenever you want. Remember to eat breakfast within the first two hours after you wake and add a snack between breakfast and lunch if the time between is more than four hours. Most importantly do not skip eating because this will lead to a slowing of your metabolic rate and leave you ravenous. We all know how hard it is to control our impulses when ravenous. Plan your meals and snacks throughout t he day and don't leave yourself vulnerable to your hunger.
|
 |
|
 |
Eat What Will Keep You Feeling Fuller, Longer
What kinds of food will keep you full but not load your body with the wrong kinds of nutrients? Lets start with a few best bets. All of us know some of the best foods to eat are fresh fruits and vegetables along with whole grain breads crackers and cereal. A good rule of thumb to follow is to check the ingredient list on the container to make sure the product is a whole grain and contains at least 3 grams of fiber per serving. High fiber foods provide a slow, steady release of energy which keeps us fuller for longer. Get this, protein and fat also take longer to break down which helps keep hunger at bay. Many people try to cut fat entirely out of their diet. The reality is fat won't make you fat. Try products that are low fat but not fat free. This small amout of fat will keep you feeling fuller for longer. Try to include a source of protein with each meal and snack such as peanut butter, cheese, nuts, or yogurt. By following these simple steps your hunger will be kept at bay allowing you to avoid instances of overeating.
|
|
Limit Starchy Carbs At Dinner
Limiting rice, pastas, potatos and breads at diiner is one of Molly's simple solutions that will improve your overall nutrition. Think about it. Carbohydrates give us energy so does it make sense to load up on them when you are winding down for the evening? No it doesn't! Nighttime also tends to be a time when your will-power may slip often leading to larger portions. At dinner try to emphasize salads, vegetables and lean protein. Your source of lean protein can be seafood, chicken or turkey just remember to cut out the rice or potatos. However if you just have to have some rice or pasta try to limit it to one serving which is about half a cup.
|
 |
|
 |
Conclusion
A combination of simple nutritional steps along with exercise are imperative to living a healthy life. Try integrating Molly's nutrtitional steps and feel the difference living a life that has a healthy nutrional balance. It may be tough at first but stick with it. You should notice that your cravings decrease and you are not feeling hungry as often. Be aware of your energy levels. You should notice a stablized feeling of energy instead of rollercoastering throughout the day. Remember to cut yourself some slack. Bad habits aren't developed overnight and they won't disappear overnight either. Consistency will bring you the results you imagined but have not yet acheived.
|
|
Question of the Month
Fast food has become the "comfort" food of our generation. We posed this question to Molly about how we can combine the convenience of fast food and eat as healthfully as possible.
During the week, it is inevitable I'm going to end up at a fast food restaruant with my coworkers. How bad is this?
One healthy option is to eat a grilled chicken salad with low-fat salad dressing or perhaps get a grilled chicken sandwich. However some people feel they must order a hamburger or cheeseburger while at their favorite fast food hangout. Its okay to order a "small" buger just remember that it is the side orders such as fries or milkshakes that overload you with fat and calories. So be smart when ordering and remember Molly's three solutions to better nutrition: Eat More Often Throughout The Day, Eat What Will Keep You Fuller Longer, and Limit Starchy Carbs At Dinner.
|
 |
|
