Nutrition Tips of the Day

K.I.S.S.

We all know what that acronym stands for: Keep It Simple Stupid.

It seems like so many things appear to be complicated: exercise and nutrition, just to name a couple.

Low carb, no carb, reduced carb, low fat, fat free, equal portions, ketonic, etc. No wonder people are getting sick and tired or trying to lose weight! It can get confusing! Yes, scientific information may point to different answers over time, but, basic principles will always remain the same.

1) Eat natural food. This means keeping processed food (anything that comes in a bag or box) to a minimum. By doing this, you will be eating more nutrient dense food and supplying your body with nutrients and energy. (This is the most important principle)

2) Increase your fruit and vegetable intake. Yes. We have all heard this. However, this is a very simple tip. Start with doubling the amount you consume now; I promise, it's not as much as you think. Oh, and by the way: fruit does not make you fat, but hat is another blog post . . .

3) Reduce or eliminate liquid calories.

4) Reduce the amount of grain products you consume (bread, pasta, crackers, etc). Many of our ancestors couldn't eat wheat and other grain products. It must be grinded and milled down before we can eat it. Asians have had rice around much longer, so they usually tolerate that source of carbohydrates better. Also, wheat is one of the most common food allergies, but many people are not aware they have it. Time and time again, I have seen people "lose stubborn pounds" just by reducing their grain products and replacing them with vegetables, fruits, beans, and nuts.

5) Revolve your eating schedule around your life, not your life around you eating. The bodybuilding world has made everyone think that they must "eat 5-6 small meals a day." Now, I understand that it works, and some people love it. However, for some people it is a pain. Who wants to be cooking that many meals per day? Who wants to clean up afterwards?

No. I propose that you do what is right for you and what fits into your life. Do you prefer 3 meals a day? Fine, just stick to the other principles. Do you like 2 meals and snacks? Fine, just stick to the other principles.

Eating healthy and working out should not be so painful. There are better ways to incorporate these important things into your life without the added hastle.