| Have
you ever wondered why so many diets just don't seem to work?
One of the main reasons
they don't is that when you're dieting, or cutting back on calories,
your body senses that you're cutting back on amounts. It thinks
you are trying to starve it. The result is that your metabolism
gets out of balance, and your body begins to store fat and burn
less calories in order to keep itself from starving. The diet
boomerangs.
Instead of dieting,
lose extra pounds naturally by working with your body to keep
your metabolism balanced. Instead of cutting back on calories,
cut out unhealthy foods. Eat only whole foods, such as whole
grains, rice, fresh organic vegetables, and fresh fruits. Cut
out empty calories and foods that are filled with unnecessary
chemicals that your body can't properly use. You will look and
feel healthier if you cut out processed and refined foods, packaged
foods, and all forms of sugar. Snack on whole or dried fruits
instead of bags of cookies or chips.
Contrary to what
you think you should do, eat all day long. Grazing on whole
foods will give your body the nutrients it needs and help you
feel full so you don't overeat. Eat three small healthy meals
and two snacks between meals per day. This is a good way to
keep your body from thinking that you're starving it. Don't
eat or consume liquids in any significant amounts for about
three hours before bedtime.
Don't skip breakfast.
Breakfast really is the most important meal of the day, just
like your mother told you. But eating a sugary doughnut and
wolfing down two cups of coffee isn't exactly a good breakfast.
Whole grain cereals such as oatmeal with fresh blueberries or
strawberries added for flavor make a fulfilling breakfast, and
one that will also provide rich nutrients. Eating a good breakfast,
low in fat and high in fiber and nutrition will increase your
energy throughout the entire day. You'll be much less likely
to experience an energy crash later.
Eating whole, healthy
foods and maintaining a balanced metabolism ultimately helps
your body maximize the nutrients that you feed it. The reward
is your payoff: Good health, good looks and good energy when
you need it. Dieting may not work, but eating healthy does. |
