This was mentioned in passing the other day as a part of the “easy” answer to the most popular fitness and exercise question of 2017: “How to lose body fat?” – a balanced diet!
So let’s dive in a little deeper shall we? EASY HINT AT BOTTOM OF THIS POST! (Don’t cheat and scroll down…)
First lets talk lean protein. You can check out the post from earlier on protein here, but I will summarize again for you now. There is a nifty calculator on Bodybuilding.com that you can access here, that will give you an accurate amount of protein you should be consuming daily (whether plant based or animal based). Some lean protein sources include: fish, chicken (white meat), lean beef. You can also classify eggs and some dairy in the protein category.
Next, fruits and vegetables. It is recommended to have a variety of fruits and vegetables in your daily consumption. The darker the green the more vitamins A, C and Calcium they have. Red and Orange vegetables also carry a lot of Vitamin C and A as well as potassium. Filling your plate with several colors and flavors of vegetables will keep you feeling full and satisfied throughout the day. Also it keeps things from being boring and bland.
Then there is carbohydrates – they are not from the devil… but be smart about your choices of carbohydrates. Whole grains and whole foods are your best options. Stick with potatoes, rice, and quinoa type of carbohydrates. If you need a refresher see the previous post on carbohydrates here.
And finally FATS! You need them. Did you know that your body will tell you if you are getting enough fats? Ever notice your hair start to get dull, brittle and break more… it could be a sign that you are not eating enough fat in your diet. Stick with healthy fats such as avocado, olive and coconut oil, and nut butters.
Here is your trick and tip to getting more of a healthy balance to your diet: Stick to the outside aisles of the grocery store… Shop the perimeter.