Diet and exercise go together, representing two parts to a healthy lifestyle. Doing one without the other just doesn’t get it done — you need to do both and do so concurrently. The following are seven steps to a healthy diet.
Step No. 1 — Consult with your doctor.
As part of a healthy diet and exercise regimen, your doctor should be kept in the loop. If changes need to be made to either, your physician will provide much-needed input. If you need assistance with your diet, then a nutritionist should be consulted. A nutritionist has the best tools for assisting you in pursuing a healthy eating lifestyle. Get with this individual to follow a food plan that is right for you.
Step No. 2 — Cut back on your sugar intake.
Sugar is a big problem especially when it is added to something such as your foods or drinks. Honey and other naturally occurring sugars are best, but should be consumed in moderate amounts. As far as sugar goes in soft drinks, including ice tea, you need to eliminate these beverages. Drinking water is far better for your body, especially pure spring water or filtered water.
Step No. 3 — Curb your salt intake.
Another problem with our diets is the amount of salt we consume. Quite frankly, we have levels of salt that are simply unhealthy for our bodies. Where sugar can lead to diabetes, salt can lead to high blood pressure and heart problems. Together, sugar and salt serve as a two-prong approach to harming your health and making you feel sick.
Step No. 4 — Eat your vegetables. And fruit.
Mother always said you need to eat your vegetables. A good mix of vegetables, including yellows (corn), greens (peas), reds (tomatoes), and oranges (peppers) can certainly help your diet. As for fruits, the color spectrum should also be followed and include blues (blueberries), reds (strawberries), greens (apples), oranges (tangerines), yellows (bananas), watermelon, cantaloupe, and the rest. Incorporate vegetables in your lunch and dinner. Fruit can be worked in for all three meals.
Step No. 5 — Curb your snacks.
Snacks are what tide you over between meals. Trouble is, most snacks are simply not good for you. The benefit of the work your fitness instructor had you doing can disappear when eating the wrong snacks explains Fitness19. Fresh fruit is an excellent snack as is yogurt. Avoid chips, but do consume nuts. Pretzels are not especially healthy, but dried fruit is.
Step No. 6 — Limit your dairy intake.
Not all dairy is a no-no, despite what some people may contend. You don’t need to consume milk, but yogurt is perfectly fine as are some cheeses. If you still prefer milk, limit your intake to one glass per day. Try goat’s milk and organic milk to limit your intake of harmful additives.
Step No. 7 — Consider your meats.
How much meat should you consume? You can have a helping of most white meats daily. As far as red meats, limit your consumption to no more than three servings per week. Chicken, pork, duck and fish are absolutely fine to eat. Beef may be delicious but we Americans tend to consume far more than what we need. Portion control is important here!
Eating and Exercising
Now that you know what is best to eat and what to avoid, you need to augment that with a solid exercise regimen. Your regimen should be tailored to your specific needs, taking into consideration your schedule as well as your life plan goals.
So, get in your daily work outs composed of lunges, bicycles, burpees, push ups, sit ups and all the rest. Then, make sure your diet supports your goals instead of undermining it.