Nutrition, Nutrition, Nutrition!

It is not difficult to determine what foods are good for you and which ones are bad. Simply start reading the list of ingredients indicated on all food packaging, as you are filling your cart during your next visit to the supermarket. If there are more than a dozen ingredients, or if you find it difficult to pronounce some of the words listed, chances are that particular product is probably not very healthy. This is most relative to processed foods.

1. Reduce Your Intake of Saturated Fats (those found in meat & dairy products)
Eating excessive amounts of animal-based fats can lead to increased levels of artery-clogging cholesterol and will significantly heighten your risk of heart disease. Ease Up on the Mayo and Butter Try using mustard in your tuna fish and whenever possible, lay off the butter. The pores of your skin will tighten and you will achieve better blood circulation throughout out the body.

2. Add More Fruits, Vegetables & Grains Into Your Diet
All 3 contain phytochemicals that have been proven to clear out clogged arteries, ward off carcinogens and even slow down the aging process. When selecting your produce, choose organically grown whenever possible. Unfortunately, preservatives and pesticides used on most produce, drastically reduces their beneficial elements. It is said that the vitamin & mineral level of an organic carrot is roughly six times that of a chemically grown carrot! Fruit is loaded with antioxidants that help stop free-radical damage to muscles and tendons. Replacing your morning coffee with a tall glass of orange juice, will dramatically benefit your athletic performance by giving you more energy throughout your day and help your body to run smoother. Cruciferous Veggies such as, Broccoli, Cabbage, Brussels Sprouts and Cauliflower are packed with vitamins and contain a significantly high level of Indole-3-Carbinol which is known to fight cancer. Eat these often! Garlic & Onions engage the immune system and aid in lowering cholesterol levels throughout the body. Use lots of each when cooking. Not only will they enhance the taste of your food, but they'll also help you maintain a healthier system. Figs, Grapes, Raisins, Dates and Prunes, aside from providing a great boost of energy, (specifically prior to your workout) they too contain cancer-fighting & artery-clearing substances. And for all those with a sweet-tooth, each of these are an excellent substitute to candy!

3. Drink Lots of H2O
Replenish your body with plenty of water, before, during and after each workout. The body will lose at least a liter & a half of water an hour, in the form of sweat, during an intense workout. And that number can as much as double in hot weather. Water will keep your body from overheating, increase your performance level and serve to cleanse your entire system. Drink lots of it everyday! And if possible try to avoid un-filtered tap water.

4. A Word on Carbs
Although it is true that carbohydrates are an optimal source for the production of athletic energy, be conscious of your carbo consumption. (Specifically if excess weight is an issue.) It is best to regulate your intake of carbohydrates and work on scheduling meals containing high levels of carbohydrates during the morning hours and before a workout. This will allow your body time through out the day to burn what could potentially turn to unwanted fat. Definitely reduce your carbohydrate intake during the evening hours, especially before bed. Consuming a carbo rich meal before going to sleep will place an unhealthy level of stress on the digestive system and can lead to a "restless" sleep.

5. Ease up on the Shaker
High levels of sodium will lead to high blood pressure and can cause the body to store excess amounts of water. (This is relative to the term "water weight.") Retaining less water weight in the body will allow the skin to cling tighter to the muscle tissue, resulting in a more prominently defined exterior. Almost all food contains salt already, so by adding more salt to a meal, you are actually dulling the senses of your taste buds. By reducing the intake of salt, your taste buds will become more attuned and you will soon regain your ability to taste foods at their fullest flavor!

<-Back