NEW YOU ~ Healthy Eating Part 1

I chose fitness (physical & emotional) as a kick start to my re-invention ~ to read first post click here.

Unfortunately fitness alone will not get me to where I would like to be, enter nutrition plan. To keep me focused on my goal I have enlisted the help of a Nutritionist. First we reviewed a list I had kept on my food intake for over a 3 -4 day period. The nutritionist utilized this information to determine my eating habits and required adjustments. Oh … you want to know the results!! ~ smiling~

Based on what I ate it was determined, that I needed to increase my protein and fiber intake and decrease my carb and fat intake. Part of the challenge is my ability to use the stove independently. I have been relying on no-stove required meals = carbs and fatty foods (mainly for lunch) for both ease and maintaining some independence. The meds also are not helping with the weight challenge.

Nutritionist is currently working on a meal plan tailored to my needs, yet using foods I like; I can’t wait to get started. In the meantime here are some tips that I found useful:

- Start the day with water and lemon, w/ ginger (optional) . Water and lemon will get your system moving and ready for the day. Remember to drink water throughout the day.

- Gradually modify your eating habits. This will help you transition to healthier eating, but also reduce the cravings of the not so healthy foods = you are more likely to completely transition without giving up.

- Eat more vegetables and fruits. I really need to work o this.

- Eat your food as close to its natural state as possible. The less ingredients the better ... i.e yogurt: milk ingredients,bacterial,culture ~ if your yogurt has more than these try looking for something else.

- Reduce the amount of processed food you eat. Home cooked is best.

- It is important to know what a portion size is. You may be eating the right healthy foods but your portions may be doing all your hard efforts a disservice.

So what exactly is a portion? Hopefully the image below will help you to streamline your eating.

Remember eating properly is a lifestyle choice not a DIET!!!

What are your eating habits like?

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be healthy and fit?