5 Keys for Healthy Eating

Okay I admit, I did not create these rules but I do follow them as best as I can.

Rule #1. Eat every 2-3 hours.
Now, you don’t need to eat a full meal every 2-3 hours – some of them can be smaller snacks. That may seem like a lot, but understand that each meal will be smaller than the ones most people eat, and that eating this way can help prevent storing excess calories as body fat.
Rule # 2. Include lean protein in each meal and snack.
I find that including protein in each meal keeps me full longer. Before I started following this rule, I just used to eat a salad and then 30 minutes later I would be hungry again. Now I know better and including lean protein helps me to control my appetite a bit longer.
Rule # 3. Include vegetables or fruits in at least 3 of your meals or snacks.
Yes I said it, eat our vegetables! I know this can be really, really difficult and I will usually include vegetables in 3 of my meals. So for my first meal of the day I will include a fruit (the best time to eat fruit is first thing in the morning), and the rest of my meals except for my post workout shake I will try to include vegetables. I am always surprised when people don’t like vegetable. I know someone who was a vegetarian and didn’t like vegetables! How is that possible? Needless to say, she is no longer a vegetarian.
Rule #4. Save carb-heavy meals for after exercise.
Research shows that the best time to eat carbs (rice, pasta, potatoes) is right after exercise, apparently your body is better able to process carbohydrates in the 3 hour period after intense exercise. On non-workout days, then it’s best to eat carbs earlier in the day.
Rule #5. Include a good balance of healthy fat in your diet.
There are 3 types of fat: saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated. Eating all three kinds in a healthy balance can dramatically improve your health, and actually help you lose fat.
Saturated: Most foods containing lean protein also contain some saturated fat, so you probably don’t have to worry about getting saturated fat.
Some of the best sources of Monounsaturated fat include nuts (almonds, walnuts etc), and olive oil.
Sources of Polyunsaturated fat include flax seed oil, fish oil, and mixed nuts.

Voila, here it is. It’s not easy but it certainly helps to plan your meals in advance. I usually know exactly what I will be eating for each meal the next day.