You have definitely heard this before, ‘eat more fruits and vegetables.’ Well, there`s a reason why this advice is so popular. It`s true. In our current age of processed foods, most of us are not getting the right kinds of nutrients our bodies need to produce energy and thrive.
Have you had a good look through your kitchen cupboards and fridge lately? Are they full of foods with ingredients that are impossible to pronounce or packed with saturated fat and processed sugar?
Over the years the Western diet has been laden with ingredients that overload our body, reducing its natural ability to process fat and provide energy as well as compromising our immune system.
The result? More and more people are putting on extra pounds because of the poor quality of our food choices. It`s a fact, overly processed and packaged foods are not broken down well by our bodies and we end up missing out on essential vitamins and nutrients, ending up instead with fat.
We do not have to plant our own garden, but it`s about time we began incorporating more fresh foods into our daily eating routine. This means healthy servings of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, etc. These are all things that we can start doing today to not only help lose weight, but also to increase the quality of our lives.
Adopting healthy eating habits does not have to be a prison sentence of bland food. It can be quite an easy and delicious process. Plus, you will notice the difference in how you feel.
Here are some healthy eating (and lifestyle) tips that can help you get on track to meet your weight loss goals:
Eat the daily amount of calories that is based on your age, weight, gender, etc. The average recommended daily amount is 2,000 calories.
Eat at least five portions of fresh fruits and vegetables a day and try to have them a part of every meal.
Make sure that the foods you eat are fresh, low fat and high in complex carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, fiber, and low in cholesterol.
Limit the amount of refined sugar you eat, which is difficult for the body to process, and thus contributes to weight gain.
Make sure your diet includes fiber (which can be found in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains), as it aids with healthy digestion and controls appetite/cravings. About 20-35 grams a day is recommended.
Drink a lot of water. It not only cleanses our system and removes toxins and other wastes that build up in our bodies.
Eat slowly. Take the time to chew your food and try to stop before you actually feel full. Often eating a moderate amount of food is enough to satisfy our hunger.
Eat several small meals during the day, which helps boost your metabolism to burn more calories.
Find out your ideal body weight and get help, if needed, in establishing a healthy diet routine, especially if you have extra weight.
Regular exercise can help build muscle, which helps increase your metabolism. At least 3 hours per week is recommended.
SlimFast supports the metabolic process, increasing the rate that the body burns calories and fats. When it is used along with a healthy diet and exercise, it provides the support needed to lose excess weight.
In 2007, almost 4 of 10 adults had used some type of dietary suppliment — woman more than men. Percentage who had used dietry suppliments, 2007.
Sex
Age in years
Race and ethnicity
Education
Male
Female
18-29
30-39
40-49
50-59
60-69
70-84
85 and older
White
Black
Hispanic
High school graduate
Some college
Associate of art degree
Bacheior, arts or science degree
Masters, doctorate,
professional degree
34%
43
36
40
40
44
41
32
24
43
26
24
21
45
47
50
55