Eating right is more than half the battle to get into a new you. Again, remember that nutrition is 80% of obtaining the results you want. Exercising and coming to boot camp is only part of the battle. Eating right and staying hydrated will help get you to the results you want quicker. It is a lot easier to find those fresh veggies in the spring and summer months. Just look at your local farmer markets or stands on the side of the road. Of course always inspect your food before your purchase. Eating healthier will give you more energy and we all know we could use some more of that. Spring is also a great time to find those organic foods. Stay away from processed foods! Not only does fresh food taste better, it also has more nutrients for your body. Here are some healthy eating tips for the Spring:
1. Reach for the raw. Raw fruits and veggies are loaded with nutrients, vitamins and minerals. Stock up on these and aim to eat at least 2-3 throughout the day. Raw foods are great for a boost of energy, and can give you much more nutrition than processed foods any day!
2. Pick those greens. Leafy green vegetables are a great addition to your diet year round, but are much easier to find during spring and summer. Head to the farmer’s market for kale, fresh spinach, and even fresh lettuce (which are high in magnesium, a mineral that helps release stored energy) right from the farm. Just wash and dry the leaves at home, and even consider adding some to stir fry or steamed vegetable platters for variety.
3. Drink up! Water, water, water is still the mantra for healthy living, so make sure you’re getting at least 8-10 cups of water each day – and even more if you’re working out. Water itself can give you plenty of energy and keep those cells clean and clear of toxins.
4. Change Your Breakfast. Eating the same meal every morning can limit the range of nutrients you get. Try something new, like a whole-grain cereal with complex carbs and protein, such as Kashi GoLean. Scramble eggs and serve on sprouted-wheat bread, which is slightly higher in protein than regular whole wheat.
5. Drink Something New. Studies show that by changing the flavor of a beverage, you’ll be inclined to drink more. If you usually drink green tea, try white—it’s higher in catechins that may reduce heart-disease risk. Switch from orange juice to pomegranate-cranberry for antioxidants that reduce inflammation.
6. Stroll the Aisles. If you are going to stay in the grocery store, they often get new products daily, so budget 15 extra minutes for your next trip to find healthy options. Check out whole-grain pastas made with added fiber or flaxseed. Look for tasty frozen fruit blends in the freezer aisle. Stock up on convenient 100-calorie packs of healthy snacks, such as nuts and pretzels. Also, all that walking in the aisles is burning calories.
7. Tend a Garden. Studies show you’ll eat more vegetables on a daily basis if you grow your own. Pot a single tomato or herb plant in a container to keep on your patio; turn a small section of your backyard into a vegetable garden; or, if you want to plan a more substantial garden, consider enlisting the help of a neighbor so you can share the tasks of weeding and watering.
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Tags: better exercise, better fitness, better health, calories, eating tips, foods, Healthy Eating, Healthy Recipes, Nutrition information, weight loss