Developing a Healthy Eating Plan

What and how much you eat is just as important as working out consistently. Building and maintaining a lean, balanced and muscular physique requires proper nutrition. I have made a list of nutritional guidelines you should adhere to if you want to achieve a healthy, strong, and great looking bod.

Eat 5-6 well balanced meals over the course of the day. Approximately 30% of your food calories should come from carbohydrates, 40% from protein, and 30% from the good fats listed below.

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are the chief source of energy for all body functions and muscular exertions. Types of carbohydrates:

Protein

Protein is the major source of building material for muscle, skin, hair, nails, blood, and internal organs. Eat the following types of protein:

Fats

Fats are the most concentrated source of energy in the diet. They contain more than twice the amount of calories as compared to carbohydrates and protein. Fats you should be eating include:

Beverages

Water is the most essential nutrient we consume. It is necessary for the digestion, absorption, circulation, detoxification and the transportation of nutrients through the body. In so doing it raises the bodys metabolism helping you burn fat faster. Drink at least 4 quarts of spring and or filtered water daily. Other acceptable beverages include natural seltzer water, freshly squeezed vegetable and fruit juices, organic green tea and yerba mate, and organic coffee (limit to one cup per day).

Eating Right

Space your meals out so that you are eating at least every three hours. Protein drinks, organic/raw food bars and fruits do not consititute a main meal but these can and should be eaten in between meals.

Trim meat of all fat and use skinless chicken when cooking. Once trimmed, grill, steam, or barbecue your meat with a tablepspoon of olive oil. Avoid adding butter and other pre-made creamy sauces which are high in saturated fat and salt.

Do not over eat during each meal. This will cause bloating and indigestion, slowing down your metabolism, and limiting your ability to burn fat at rest. A good natural digestive aid when eating meat proteins are chilli peppers and pineapple(containing the protein enzyme bromelain.)

You Can Do It!

If you follow these basic nutritional guidelines, you will be well on your way to great physical condition. For more great healthy food tips and recipes visit my blog. Contact me with any questions you have. Keep working out and eat healthy!