Nutrition is something I think most of us struggle with daily. We have good intentions, but then life gets in the way and we get off track quickly. I started a 12-week fitness and nutrition challenge Monday called TERRAfit. Leading up to this week, I have been slowly finding replacements for things like my coffee and finding more nutritional snacks. Our family has slowly been making changes over the last few years. It is easier to make one or two changes at a time verses 20. We get overwhelmed when we try to do too much at once and end up quitting. My biggest challenge this time is eliminating sugar. Sugar has such a strong hold on so many of us, I am excited to finally break-up with sugar! While eliminating sugar may not be something you are ready to do, try a few of my nutrition tips.
1. Stay Hydrated. Drink at least half your weight in water every day with a maximum of one gallon a day. It can be hard to drink water so try spicing it up. Add a drop or two of citrus essential oil (make sure it is pure) for example lemon, lime or grapefruit to your water. Cut up fruit slices and add to your water. Boosting your water intake can boost your energy levels, aid in digestion, and it's good for your skin.
2. Take a multivitamin and fish oil. I believe food is the best place for us to get our nutrition, however, it is extremely hard to give our body all the nutrients we need through food daily. While supplements are not a replacement for good nutrition, they play a big role in our overall health and prevention. Choose a high quality vitamin supplement and fish oil. Research and make sure there are no additives added to the vitamins.
3. Eat more vegetables. Vegetables are loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Add some spinach to your smoothie. Branch out and start trying new veggies, you might be surprised and like one or two!
4. Choose healthy fats. Avocado, seeds, and nuts are all healthy fats. Cook with healthy fats such as coconut oil, olive oil, and avocado oil or even REAL butter. Our body needs fat, we just need to make sure we are eating healthy fats.
5. Read ingredients. If it didn't come from the ground, a tree or an animal, don't eat it. If you can't pronounce it, then you probably shouldn't eat it. I know this is a big one and can be an adjustment, but your body will thank you for it. Our body relies on us for nutrition and we need to feed it real food.
We often get busy with life and let our nutrition go. Plan ahead. When you come home from the grocery store, wash all your vegetables and fruit. Cut up your veggies and store them in easy grab and go baggies for a quick snack. Enlist the help of your family. My kids love to help in the kitchen and will happily volunteer to cut up veggies or make a healthy snack.
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