Yummy Up Your Life with Food Basics, Part 1

Yummy up your life with the food basics to be fabulous over 40!   According to Dr. Sara Gottfried, a Harvard trained MD who specializes in hormone balancing, at least 90% of our imbalances can be improved through food (diet) and movement (exercise).  March is National Nutrition month and is a great time to get re-energized around food basics to improve your body’s imbalances.  Let’s get started to feeling FABULOUS!

Proteins, fats and carbohydrates are called macronutrients. According to Diana Schwarzbein, MD as we age our bodies are breaking down faster than they’re building up. Yikes! The good news is we can become conscious of how we’re eating to bring the “using” and “building” sides of our metabolism more in line. That’s when we can laugh in the face of aging and feel better than we ever have.

Some “Conscious” Guidelines for a Sexy Feeling Body 

• Always eat a protein, fat and carbohydrate at every meal or snack
• Divide your plate into
  • 1/3 protein (the same size as the palm of your hand)
  • 2/3 vegetables, with a condiment of fruit
  • Dash of healthy fat (olive oil, avocado, nuts/seeds)

• Eat whole, real foods (NOT pre-packaged foods)
• Drink at least 8 8-ounce glasses of purified water daily
• Be mindful of your hunger levels and only eat when you are hungry
• Eat slowly and mindfully and stop when you are satisfied
• Eat a rainbow of color (like this picture on the right) – more vegetables is the key!
• Plan ahead, be prepared and carry healthy foods with you
• Chose locally grown food, in season
• Use a small plate or shallow bowl as your serving dish – stop overeating!

Why do we need protein in our diet?

• Builds muscle
• Makes hormones
• Builds bone
• Balances our moods
• Keeps us grounded
• Gives us energy
• Supports detoxification and liver function
• Helps wounds and infections heal

What are healthy sources of protein?

• Free range eggs
• Grass fed, organic meats (hormone/antibiotic free)
• Wild caught fish
• Tempeh (fermented soy)
• Cottage cheese
• Greek yogurt
• Protein powders (whey or pea protein)

Shakes are one of my favorite ways to begin the day or to fuel my body for yoga practice or a tennis match. I am often asked what is a healthy protein powder choice. Here’s what to look for in a protein powder…

• Simple ingredients
• Whey protein isolate or Pea Protein
• Carboydrate less than 5 grams per serving
• Nothing artificial: sugars (sucralose/Splenda, Nutrasweet/aspartame), food colorings/additives
• GMO-free
• rBGH-free
• Gluten free, dairy free and soy free (even egg free if you are allergic or intolerant)

As with any macronutrient, we can overeat protein and store it as fat. It is also acidic and needs vegetables that are alkaline to keep the right pH balance in the body for optimal health.

Are you ready to build your body and reclaim your sexy and fabulous? Eat some great protein.

©Robin Nielsen, NC

WANT TO USE THIS IN YOUR EZINE OR WEBSITE? You can, as long as you use this blurb with it: Robin Nielsen helps her clients to “grow younger.” She is a successful entrepreneur, a Certified Clinical Nutritionist and an in-demand speaker and educator. She’s motivated thousands to improve their health with the right mental and physical fuel for living a luscious life.  Get your FREE audio 7 Secrets to Reclaim Your Radiance:  www.togrowyoung.com