What is nutrition? There is an abundance of information available on what you should and shouldn’t eat. There are dozens of diet plans, books and experts weighing in on the issue, yet it does not have to be that complicated. Nutrition is a lifestyle choice and learning a few simple guidelines from this food nutrition guide will help you start down the right path.
Timing is everything. You should start your day with a nutritional breakfast within one hour of waking up. You can not afford to skip this meal since it jump starts your metabolism for the day. In addition, refrain from eating at least two hours before you go to bed. This is the time when your metabolism is the slowest, so it is a bad idea to have food just sitting in your stomach.
Secondly, throw out the idea that you should eat three square meals a day. It is much better for your health and easier on you digestive system if you eat five to six small meals throughout the day. Not only will this help your body digest more effectively, it will also help you to avoid the tired slump that tends to follow big meals.
There are some foods that everyone knows are not great for you body and should be severely limited, such as sugary snacks and desserts, food that is fried, contains high-fat, high carbohydrates or high calories. However, there are a few less known foods to be aware of.
– Pasta, except for whole wheat.
– Fat-free foods, due to high levels of sugar and chemicals.
– Cold cuts and most frozen meals, because of preservatives and chemicals.
– Sodas and juices, because of excess sugar.
– Creamy meals, because they contain high levels of fat.
One of the best habits to develop is to start reading the ingredients on the foods you buy. Stay away from any item where sugar is listed as one of the first three ingredients. Also avoid anything with hydrogenated oils otherwise know as Trans fats.
Not everything is off limits. There are a few items that are high in vitamins, minerals, and protein that you should make staples in your diet.
– Fresh fruits like berries, apples and bananas.
– Whole grain breads and pastas.
– Lean meats like chicken, turkey and fish.
– Low-fat dairy products including milk and yogurt, and cottage cheese.
– Vegetables including leafy greens, squash and tomatoes.
– Eggs.
– Beans, legumes and nuts.
– Natural peanut butter – avoid the regular kind.
– Fresh garlic and olive oil.
– Of course, water.
No one is perfect, but if you focus on this food nutrition guide and make good choices daily, you can worry less about what is nutrition. You will start to see your willpower improve over time and your cravings for less healthy alternatives diminish. Eating right is a daily choice, but it does not have to be complicated.
