HEALTH
By Traci Townsend Five Steps to Help You Get Started with Your Fitness and Nutrition Routine
First, remember that action creates change. You have to take action and put in the work to reach your health and fitness goals and that change that you are looking for.
1. KEEP A FOOD JOURNAL This is helpful to actually “see” what you eat daily. You might be surprised at what and how much actually goes in your mouth. This is time for the truth. Write down everything you eat, every bite, lick, and taste.
2. LEARN TO EAT WELL This doesn’t mean taking away the foods you love. It’s actually more about adding more nutritionally dense food. You don’t have to make drastic changes. For example, add more protein. Most of us don’t eat as much protein as we think. And remember the food journal? It will help you understand how much protein you are eating as well as everything else. Also, add more nutrient dense foods to your diet. And I’m 32
talking about the nutrient dense foods that you like. For example, if you don’t like broccoli but love spinach, collard greens, and cauliflower - eat those. Why would you eat foods you don’t like? The best diet is the one that you can live with. Understand that there is no food that is off limits, unless you are allergic or have some other health concern for not eating it. However, there are foods that may help you reach your goal sooner than others and that requires you to make decisions about whether or not a certain food is worth it or not.
3. STAY HYDRATED Much of our body is made up of water - about 55-60%. Also many chemical reactions that occur in our body require water. Larger people need more water than smaller people. Your body requires more water when you are exercising and when the weather is warmer or dryer.
