Fitness & Nutrition Tips

Eat. It’s a simple word, a basic need, but not a healthy habit for everyone. We need food for fuel, for energy, to nourish our bodies, to survive. Think about your average day and consider your eating habits.

Schedule your day, including mealtimes. Upon waking, our bodies need fuel every four to five hours. Breakfast is the first step to nourish our bodies. If you’re “not a breakfast eater”, try snacks -have items available to grab on the go. Try to choose a carbohydrate and protein source to carry you to lunchtime.

It’s a family affair. Eat together at least once a day. Between afterschool activities, business schedules, errands, and commitments, sitting down to a meal as a family may be no easy task. Taking time to gather together in one area can have an enormous impact on your family life and relationships. We all need to eat, by joining together in the activity, we also make time to be involved in our family’s life. If your family schedule is booked most evenings, make your family meal breakfast. Making each other a priority is an appointment you don’t want to miss.

Make mealtime enjoyable. Unplug! Turn off all screens. If you are answering emails, watching television, or texting friends while eating, what will be the experience? Will you savor, or even taste each bite? If it doesn’t taste good, will you eat it anyway because you’re distracted? When will you be aware that you are no longer hungry? A healthy relationship with food is just as important as what you are eating. Pay attention. Don’t neglect your health, be mindful of your choices and actions.

Plan your snacks and drink. While it is important to eat every four to five hours, it doesn’t have to be three “meals” each day. The number one goal is to have food available. If nutritious food is readily accessible, we can avoid junk food, fast food, or skipping food all together. Keep non-perishable snacks in your car, purse, or desk at work. Have produce ready to grab in your refrigerator. Fluids are essential throughout the day. Often dehydration is mistaken for hunger pains. Hydrate with at least six to eight cups of water each day to replenish fluids lost through breathing, perspiration, and talking.

A healthy body is maintained through healthy habits. While eating is a basic need, living a healthy life can be anything but a basic concept.

If you would like to learn more healthy habits, and develop personal goals to honor your nutrition, please contact your MVP Nutrition Coach today.