Nutrition Basics

Nutrition sometimes can feel like the hardest part of living a healthy lifestyle. While there are any issues with food that can run really deep, I have discovered the easiest way to create a healthy diet that you can maintain is to understand the basics of nutrition and being able to make informed changes.

So here are some the basics to help you get started:

1. Burn more energy than you consume. It is that simple! If we consume more food(Calories) than we burn we will gain weight. If we burn more calories than we consume we will loose weight. 

2. Eat clean- all this really means is try to eat foods that are truly natural. Choose whole grains and fresh veggies over refined grains and simple sugars. Try to avoid processed foods when you can, they are full of sugars, preservatives and things we don't really need. 

3. Follow the 80/20 rule. 80% of the time you eat clean the other 20% is where you create the balance! 

4. Distribute protein, carbs and fat throughout the day and at each meal. Your diet should consist of about 60% Carbs, 25% Protein, 15% Healthy Fats 

5. Schedule no fewer than 4 and as many as 6 small meals per day. This helps control hunger, minimize blood sugar fluctuations and increase energy levels throughout the day. 

6. Drink water!!! You should drink half of your body weight in ounces. For example if you weigh 150 lbs : 150/2 = 75 so someone who weighs 150lbs should drink about 75 oz of water per day.