Healthy Eating, Healthy Life…by Real Mom Nutritionist

Healthy Eating, Healthy Life!

By Julie Hammerstein, CN

Julie will appear on December 17, 2009 Real Mom TV Web Edition to talk with YOU!

We always want what is best for us, and being in good health is no exception.  Choosing to live healthy is a daily decision; the most vital and abundant individuals are those who dedicate themselves to simple, daily practices that maintain health for a lifetime.

One of the most important practices – how we choose to eat – can get sabotaged by busy schedules and misinformation. In a society where too many people are obsessed with fad diets and getting thin fast, we forget just what it means to eat healthfully.

Let’s break it down into sustainable patterns.  Remember, the food you consume is more than just fuel for your body. Your diet provides the nutrients required for manufacturing hormones that control every cell, and neurotransmitters that regulate how you think and feel.   When you feel GOOD, you have more energy and inspiration to continue making good decisions.

To start, choose foods with:

Low Glycemic Index (apples, legumes, nuts, oatmeal, plain yogurt). These foods have less impact on your blood sugar, so that you can maintain energy and avoid cycles of overeating.

Healthy fats (avocados, salmon, olive oil, walnuts). “Low fat” does not equate to healthy.  Most low-fat foods are loaded with sugar and leave you feeling hungry for more fat and sweets.  Be mindful of portions, knowing that “good fats” are critical for building tissue, regulating hormones, managing blood lipids and improving mood.

Nutrient-dense The body craves nutrition. When you eat “empty calories” such as heavily processed foods and sugar, your body says “nope, that’s not what I’m looking for”, so it sends more hunger signals.  Focus on “whole” foods, moderating the nutrient depleting items such as alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine.

Be sure to:

Time Meals/Snacks – 3 small meals with 1-2 snacks per day, at 4-hour hour intervals.  This keeps you from over eating, maintains your blood sugar, keeps you energized, and is the best way to burn calories stored as fat.

Drink Water –  Daily ounces should equal 50% of body weight. This is vital to every cell in the body, and actually supports lipolosis – better known as fat burning!

Consume Fiber – 20-35 grams per day.  Look for breads, cereals, pastas, etc. that contain more than 2-3 grams of fiber per serving.  Fiber slows digestion and reduces your appetite.

Note Portions – Commit yourself to proper portions and you will see results! What you can hold in a cupped hand is your serving of pasta, cereal or rice – most restaurants triple or quadruple this amount!

Go to www.therealmomtv.com and ASK A NUTRITIONIST and Julie Hammerstein will contact you personally!