The ten best nutrition tips!

The ten best nutrition tips!

People often ask about the best way to lose weight (fat). The answer is simple: eat nutritious food in the right quantities at the right time.

This is very difficult in our fast-moving society. But nourishing your body properly is the key to more energy, less body fat, a healthier appearance and a strengthened immune system.

Here are the top ten tips to nourish your body and keep it at optimal levels.

1) Focus on improving your eating habits rather than engaging in restrictive diets. Always remember that what you eat and drink has a direct impact on how you look, feel and perform.

2) Go to the grocery store at least once a week to purchase fruits, vegetables, and nutritious foods. Leave the junk food on the shelves because what you buy is what you will eat. Also, don't buy junk food for your children, spouse or relatives. You don't need it either.

3) Try to focus on fueling your body with nutritious food rather than filling your stomach with empty, sugary calories. Your body is a wonderful machine that needs nutritious food to function optimally.

4) Try to eliminate occasional calories, which often contain no nutritional value. These include: soda, juices, candies, energy drinks and triple mocha caramel double fudge latte coffee. Remember that consuming too many calories will cause weight gain. It doesn't matter whether these calories come from food or drinks.

5) Don't fall victim to diet and weight loss marketing professionals. Carbohydrates don't make you fat. Protein doesn't make you fat. Fat doesn't make you fat. If you eat more calories than your body burns, you will gain weight. It's that simple. Bottom line: Don't dramatically eliminate or limit your intake of carbohydrates, protein or fat.

6) Eat smaller portions more frequently throughout the day to keep your blood sugar levels stable. Stabilized blood sugar levels not only help increase energy but also help you burn unnecessary body fat. Try to include some carbohydrates, proteins and fats in every meal.

7) If you eat fast food or eat out, order the food as “clean” as possible. This means casually asking about sauces, dips and dressings. Try to order a meal that contains carbohydrates, protein and fat. Always remember that the chef doesn't care if you are overweight or unhealthy. Order food with your health and fitness in mind.

8) Try to eliminate all fried foods. They are loaded with trans fats. And yes, that includes french fries. I know they taste good, but they have a negative impact on how you look and feel.

9) Try to limit your intake of bread, bagels, potatoes and pasta (these are not the best source of carbohydrates) and replace them with fruits and vegetables that provide your body with valuable nutrients. Fruits and vegetables also help slow the aging process and strengthen your body's immune system.

10) Read food labels. Not all brands are the same and manufacturers don't care if you are overweight or unhealthy. For example, some items are labeled “fat-free,” but if you read the food label, you will see that the product contains “mono- and diglycerides.” That's fat! Also try to limit foods that contain “hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils,” as these oils can contribute to heart disease.