On my old blog, I received a ton of questions about Health and Fitness. By no means am I an expert, but I HAVE been examining food labels since I was 13 and have training in Nutrition, Anatomy/Physiology and Kinesiology. Continuing to learn about how our bodies process and use nutrients from foods fascinates me, so you can count on some Nutrition/Workout blog posts from time to time.

I’ll tag them with “Gym,” “Fitness” or “Nutrition” to make them easier to find. 

For starters, here are some quick changes you can incorporate into your diet to live a healthier lifestyle. 

1. Drink More water - Many people mistake dehydration for hunger and overeat. Try drinking a glass of water before every meal.

2. Get More sleep - You’re more likely to pig out or resort to junk food when you’re not getting adequate sleep. Also, you’re body is less efficient in processing foods and vitamins when you’re not giving it enough time to regenerate and recharge. 

3. Replace Carbs - Try to have your carbs come from fruits and vegetables, not from “empty” or “white” carbs - like processed desserts, cakes, breads, snack foods. Our bodies either use them as energy, or store them as fat. 

4. No Soda - Even the diet stuff isn’t all that great for you. Some artificial sweeteners can make you hungrier OR even mess w your body’s ability to store nutrients like Calcium and others. 

5. Eat More “Superfoods” - Blueberries, Salmon, Spinach, Nuts, Turkey, Tomatoes, Oranges… BASICALLY more fruits and veggies. They contain antioxidants (repair damage to body and cells), boost immune system, boost energy, and so much more. 

6. Portion Control - Try and eat 5 small meals a day. It will prevent you stretching your stomach with large meals, and will ensure a constant flow of nutrients and energy to your body. Don’t eat until you’re “stuffed” but until you’re “satisfied.” 

7. Bedtime Snacking - Don’t eat within 2 hours of going to bed if you can help it. Your body uses food for energy. If you’ve eaten your 5 small meals, you should still have food digesting in your stomach be bedtime. Anything extra that you put in can be stored as “energy” or fat throughout the night. 

8. Eat Breakfast - The whole point of starting your day off with some sort of food is to “break-the-fast” from the night before. You spent 7 (+/-) hours not eating while you slept. Your body needs food to kick start your metabolism and digestive system. 

9. No Dairy Fat - Try and drink skim milk rather than whole or 2%, eat fat-free or low-fat yogurt, cut out Creamy Dressings on salads or condiments like Mayo. 

10. Stay Accountable - Have someone that can keep you in line with fitness/health goals that you make for yourself. Whether it’s a gym buddy, phone call w a friend.. have someone that can ask you about your progress so you feel like you’re “getting somewhere.” 

GOOD LUCK!! 

**To see more posts about this topic, look for Blog Tags “Health” or “Fitness.”