Happy 2014 to you all!!! It's the beginning of a new year and lots of resolutions for us to begin (and KEEP)! Of course you don't want to go off course when you want to change something about yourself, whether it's stop smoking or working out more, but the most and best advice that was given to me was to do things in moderation. Don't stop anything cold turkey. It will lead you to back sliding and then you'll fell guilty or even throw whatever resolution out the window. Making resolutions to begin or continue a healthier lifestyle takes time, patience, and most importantly will power.
Eating a well balanced diet is one of the most effective ways to help improve your health. Preparation and portion control can help you maintain your cravings and eat smarter. Rule of thumb when you are trying to control your portions: Always have your protein the size of your fist. (which can be approximately 6 to 8 oz. depending on the size of your hand). Vegetables and other green leafy greens take up 4 to 6 oz. and you should have very minimal amounts of starch (approximately 2 to 3 oz.). Everyone I know constantly emphasize to totally eliminate fried foods, but I will deviate from this and say everything in moderation. Just because you crave chocolate during your new regime doesn't mean that you can't have it occasionally and that goes for anything you tend to crave for.
Incorporating lots of water can keep you hydrated and help you shed unwanted pounds very quickly. Water drinkers tend to have more youthful skin and shinier hair, their nails grow faster than those that do not drink water and other physical rewards . Also, drinking water helps you external, but also internally and helps your body function more fluidly and more efficiently. You can prevent so many ailments when you drink 8 8 oz. cups of water you decrease your chances for constipation and getting kidney stones. Avid water drinkers have clear, non-scent urine and have healthier, lower readings when they have their cholesterol checked.
Incorporating a healthy work-out routine can also help you drink more water. Although most people would bring an energy drink or a Gatorade with them to quench their thirst, water after a work-out regime is a great way to satisfy you. We keep our bodies active and fit by doing whatever exercises that feel comfortable and gives us the best results, but it's the after effects that we look forward to. Water in this peak time, right when you've had an invigorating work-out session, helps you to replenish all the water that has left your body via your sweat glands. Our bodies are made up of mostly water and when you drink water before, during, and after your session, you replenish your blood cells, help restrengthen your muscles, and decreases your chance of dehydration.
Continue to be a healthier, more productive you in this new year & see what else you can conquer on your "resolution" list!!!! :)
-Chef Tara L. Browning
P.S.- Here's a link provided below to help you get more water into your diet!!!
http://frugivoremag.com/2012/05/4-ways-to-sneak-more-water-into-your-diet/
