Copyright © 2004 Steve Preston
Fast Fitness
http://www.fast-fitness.net
Are you one of the thousands of people out there wondering what the real
secrets of eating right are? With so many fad diets and gimmicks available
on the TV and in the media today, it's hard to sort out fact from fiction.
You can choose a diet geared toward weight loss that is simple and easy
to follow, and you don't have to spend hundreds of dollars on supplements to
do it.
How do you know how to eat smart?
FOOD COMBINING
I'm not talking about complex strategies of mixing A foods with B foods
here. What you really need to focus on to lose weight in ensuring that you
always combine protein, carbohydrates and fats during meals.
No matter what meal you are eating, it is important that you eat a small
portion of protein, fat and carbohydrate at each sitting. If you eat a meal
that is simply one or the other, such as a plate of pasta with no protein,
you are only partially supplying your body with the nutrients it needs to
function.
You are also only partially fueling your metabolism, which needs proper
fuel in order to burn fat. If you are consistently feeling sluggish and
lackluster during the day, consider adjusting your dietary intake and ensure
that you are consuming at least one food that contains each of these
important nutrients.
THE IMPORTANCE OF WATER
Believe it or not, drinking more water will help you lose weight. Most
people walk around in a state of semi-dehydration. In fact, if you feel
thirsty chances are you are not drinking enough water. Your body needs water
to flush out toxins and process fats. Drink too little water and your body
will be 'tricked' into thinking its hungry too, and you're likely to eat
more than you would if you were properly hydrated.
If you're not drinking 8 10 oz glasses of water every day, you're not
drinking enough and you may be sabotaging your weight loss. Remember that
your body is partially made up of water, and it needs water to function
efficiently and burn calories.
TAKE YOUR VITAMINS
Vitamins and minerals are important to healthy metabolic functioning.
Vitamin C and the B vitamins also help your metabolism function effectively
and efficiently. Consider supplementing if you are not getting an adequate
supply in your diet. Studies also suggest that intense stress and
environmental pollutants may negatively impact your energy level, inhibiting
your ability to workout efficiently. The B vitamins in particular are well
known for combating stress and providing energy.
EAT SMART
I can't emphasize enough the importance of eating clean. The best thing
you can do to lose weight and keep your metabolism running efficiently is to
eat several small meals per day. By eating five to six smaller but highly
nutritious meals every day, you'll provide your body with an ongoing supply
of essential nutrients and energy. Your metabolism will be constantly at
work, burning calories and fat. You need to eat often because your body also
requires constant energy during the day.
Also remember to avoid processed foods and high sugar products throughout
the day. By simply cutting out excess sugars and avoiding the bread basket
at dinner, you'll shed pounds more efficiently and swiftly.
Losing weight doesn't have to be a challenge, for the most part it is
common sense. Eat clean, eat smart and lose weight!
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Steve Preston, President of Fast Fitness has been training and counseling
clients for 15 years. He offers personal fitness training, metabolic testing
and customized fitness and nutrition plans. His new guide "How to Build a
Leaner, Firmer Body in Six Weeks" teaches clients how to drop pounds and
lose weight working out just 12 minutes per day.
http://www.12minuteworkout.com
You can read more about his guide and his other fitness guides and
services at:
http://www.fast-fitness.net
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