Struggling to find balance between pizza cravings and a six-pack? You aren’t alone
Think of the relationship you have with food. What comes to mind? Do you feel anxious? Guilty? Or do you feel proud of your healthy eating habits? Whatever it is, it’s important to have a healthy relationship with food. Food is ultimately a source of nutrition and energy for the body. If you’re an active person who exercises, what you eat affects your strength, endurance, and gives you the energy needed each day – to be your best at home, work and at the gym.
In celebration of National Nutrition Month, Fitness Together®, the largest one-on-one private, personal training franchise in the U.S., is encouraging Americans to embrace healthy eating habits and balanced nutrition programs.
My wife Courtney and I are both certified trainers and nutrition coaches at Fitness Together. Here are some of our tips for building healthier nutrition habits:
Find Your Nutrition Staples. While it’s important to incorporate a wide variety of food into your nutrition program, it’s also important to have a few go-to staples in your pantry or in your fridge. Ideally, staples should include a mixture of healthy carbs, fats and lean proteins. Some great sources of each include:
– Protein: Eggs, chicken, non-fat plain Greek yogurt, salmon and white fish
–Carbs: Vegetables, fruits, grains, quinoa, rice, Ezekiel bread
– Fats: Peanut butter, olive oil, avocados
Hydrate Often. Humans are made of water- from our bones, to our organs, to our muscles. If we’re dehydrated, the body won’t perform. The general rule of thumb is to consistently and regularly drink water. It’s recommended to drink at least two liters per day, depending on body size. A good rule of thumb is to drink half of your body weight in ounces, which understandably, might seem like a lot! Try adding an extra 10 ounces per day each week until you reach the desired water amount.
Eat Before and After Workouts. Whether you’re an athlete or someone who’s trying to lose weight, it’s important to eat before and after your workout. An hour before a workout, eat something small and packed with carbs, fat and protein. An example could include oatmeal with peanut butter and a side of egg whites. An hour after the workout, eat something more substantial that’s low-fat with higher protein. Examples could include a protein bar, shake, or whole food sources like sweet potatoes and chicken. Those with sensitive stomachs should focus on getting a healthy meal in that won’t upset their stomach.
One of the most important components of any nutrition program is to find balance. It’s okay to enjoy the occasional pizza and cocktail on the weekend, just be conscious and mindful of what and how much, is consumed. There are ways to curb cravings too. For instance, when I want ice cream, I will have a small bowl, eat it slowly, instead of going for the banana split.
To achieve even greater results, it’s a good idea to consider booking a private training session and nutrition consultation at Fitness Together. There are currently over 140 convenient Fitness Together locations throughout the United States. To find a location near you, go to fitnesstogether.com