The Hardest Nutrition Advice to Follow
By Sara Butler
Many people want to be healthier -- and for good reason. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 33 percent of Americans have an increased risk for stroke, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. That makes the stakes in following some common sense nutrition advice important but doesn't make them any easier to follow. Here are a few of the hardest pieces of nutrition advice to follow that you should do your best to incorporate in your lifestyle anyway.
Breakfast: You Need Protein
Breakfast is an important meal since it sets your metabolism up for the whole day. But most breakfast choices are carbohydrate heavy and, let's face it, people don't spend too much time making breakfast each day. They want something quick and easy -- and a protein-packed choice simply seems to take too much time.
Protein is one of the essential building blocks of your body. It also happens to help you feel fuller for longer and satisfied as the morning wears on. If you want to succeed in making protein a part of your morning, then stock up on foods that are easy but still filled with protein. This includes:
- Cottage cheese
- Peanut butter on whole grain toast
- Hard-boiled eggs
- Greek yogurt
It also might be a good idea to use leftovers for breakfast such as leftover salmon in an egg scramble or on toast in the morning.
Don't Snack at Night
After dinner, you really shouldn't snack in a mindless way. It's the ugly truth that when you begin to get tired or bored, you start to munch -- even if you're not hungry. That's a great way to add unnecessary calories that can lead to big problems down the road.
You should make the kitchen someplace you simply don't go after dinner unless you want a drink of water. Think about if you truly are hungry if you find yourself wandering into the kitchen for something to munch on so you don't simply eat to eat.
Get Enough Fiber
Many people struggle to get enough fiber in their diet each day. Why is fiber so important? It helps you to feel satisfied after you eat, it keeps your digestive system healthy, and it helps to promote the maintenance of a healthy weight too.
Don't shy away from foods high in fiber. Search out foods that contain at least three grams of fiber per serving such as whole grains, lentils, and beans. Also, check out the ingredients list of whole grains before you buy and look for something with whole grains as the first ingredient.
Eating healthy takes a lifetime to master, but that's no reason not to do the best you can right now and learn from your mistakes!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Shiloh, Ill.