02/24/2017
* SPRING IS UPON US! * What comprises a healthy diet? Well, the most important thing the body needs is carbohydrates. But these carbohydrates should primarily come from vegetables and fruit. A smaller portion should come from whole grains like groats, wheat berries, Kashi, and bulgur, for example, (If at all)- It my recommendation to avoid grains all together, but especially during the initial steps toward weight loss and healthy body composition.
Next is protein which can include meats, eggs, soy or tofu products, beans, and nuts. Alongside proteins are your calcium and dairy sources such as cheese, milk, and yogurt. Finally, your body needs a small amount of healthy fats such as olive oil, omega-3 and a limited amount omega 6 oils.
A healthy diet is made up of natural products; foods that haven’t undergone any refining or processing.
Foods that have undergone refining or processing are foods like: white sugar, white flour, pastries, fast food, processed snacks, almost anything in a package.
Fresh fruits and vegetables are the most important staple of a healthy diet. And the best fruits and vegetables are those grown locally in your area, organically, and in season. That said – frozen vegetables are the more nutritious option over canned products. And how you prepare your vegetables also attributes to their nutrient value. Foods lose vitamins and nutrients when exposed to heat; so eat as many raw fruits and raw/steamed vegetables as possible.
Vegetarian, vegan, and macrobiotic diets are all very healthy, but you must be careful to find protein and calcium source from soy, beans, and nuts. It is also very easy for a vegetarian to rely too heavily on simple carbohydrates such as bread, pasta, rice, and potatoes.
If you are aiming to lose weight you will want to avoid the simple carbohydrates found in sweetened drinks, potatoes, bread, pasta, and rice. This should cut down on your sugar cravings and give you a kick-start to losing weight. I would be suprised, with all the other options out there if you still wanted to introduce them back into the diet after 6-8 weeks of healthy eating!
Try tea instead of soda or coffee. Try cutting our caffeine all together. When you crave something sweet, go for fruits and yogurt." Dr. Dee Mason