Many of us grew up on the government's food pyramid, which recently evolved into myplate. I choose to use the IIN Nutrition Plate because I firmly believe that health and wellness is not solely about the food you consume or the activity you do (or don't do). Health also is about your mindset--emotionally and spiritually speaking. Let's face it, we've heard it before--"not eating the whole box of cookies takes willpower!" Or "voices in my head call to me to eat the chips" and then next thing you know--empty bag! Speaking from personal experience, I now know that those "voices" are really my problems, that I've been neglecting. I know that usually when I'm feeling lonely, it's my man that I'm missing not Ben & Jerry (pint form ;) ). That's somewhat of a surface issue, but my point is that I now make conscious and aware food decisions versus emotional and careless. I'm also one of those people you will see in the supermarket shopping mostly on the perimeter because I prefer to eat food in it's natural state versus processed. When it comes to those food items that have a nutritional label, you will DEFINITELY find me reading the label before I put it in my basket. I choose to fuel my body with food that it needs versus "food" that my emotions think I want. I always feel better physically AND emotionally when I make the better choice.
Let's take a look at the plate above. Half of the plate is filled with fruits and vegetables. When you sit down to eat do you see any of that on your plate? Did you know that the daily recommended serving of fruits and vegetable is FIVE? So if you are eating three meals a day you should have at least one or two on your plate. I know a lot of people skip out on breakfast (I'm not sure how you do that, I wake up hungry!), so that means you should have no less than TWO on your plate for lunch and dinner. Are you even using your that basket on your counter and crisper (that clear drawer in your refrigerator) for what they are intended--FRUITS AND VEGETABLES? Check! If not, stock ones you like. Try new ones so you don't get bored.
I'm going off the plate for this next one....see that big blue circle up there? How much water do you drink throughout your day? I have to admit, I'm a HydraCoach "addict"! I had one of those big 32 oz bottles but I'd always forget how many times I filled it up. So after watching a Dr. Oz show one day I found the HydraCoach product and I love it! Rule of thumb for water consumption should be half your body weight (using weight in pounds) of water in ounces. So if someone is 150 lbs, then they should be drinking about 75 oz. of water a day. There are lots of other factors to consider like daily activity, climate, altitude, etc. and you can find a lot of resources online to help find the answer for your specifics (here is a good one). One thing to keep in mind, especially if you aren't already drinking water regularly, is that often times the "hunger pains" you feel are actually your body telling you it's thirsty--time for some water!
Lean meats and whole grains are up next--promise to keep this part short because I know this is a lot of info to take in! No, chicken is not the only lean meat out there on the market to eat; many people jump right to that one. Try lean cut pork, flat iron steak, buffalo meat, ostrich ..there are a lot of options out there if you just take a second to look--I didn't even get into the fish you could eat! During my journey of losing over 140 lbs, I've had to get creative to keep from getting bored with what I eat. It's a good idea to always keep an open mind to try new foods so you don't get bored in living a healthy and happy life.
Whole grains--where do I start?!? Do you even know the difference between brown and white rice? Neither did I until just recently! Brown has all the fiber and nutrients we need still on it whereas white rice has been stripped of it. But I'm getting off track. I brought up rice to tell you that I'm a convert who will no longer miss rice because I've met farro! I make it just like I'd make rice or risotto and it tastes delicious! If you've ever walked the aisle of a Whole Foods, or any other kind of health food store, you've seen the vast array of healthy whole grains--quinoa (the one few people can pronounce, or remember how--like me LOL), oats, barley, spelt, millet, etc. Again, keep an open mind and try something new! If you don't like it, you don't have to eat it again. But with the large number of options, there's probably a health option out there for everyone!
All this comes from someone who just wanted to change and realized it was time to! I've found the path to my true passion in helping other's find their healthy journey and I did this through finding and living my own! I'm self taught with a great success story on being the "real deal" and doing it naturally! I'm now working on my certifications to be a Holistic Health Coach, Certified Personal Trainer, and Group Exercise Instructor. But most importantly I find it vital to share the above with you because I want to end our nation's trend of obesity, so this is my way of "paying it forward" by sharing and having the discussion with all of you!
In good health,
Andrea
http://www.linkedin.com/in/arhall
http://www.facebook.com/ReNewedYouHealthCoach
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