Losing weight takes more than working out, it also involves incorporating clean and healthy foods into your diet. Both healthy living and eating are equally important in speeding up the weight loss process. There are so many foods packed with good nutrients and maintaining a balanced diet rich in fiber, fats, and protein can do wonders for your health.
Many people don’t realize how critical nutrients are to our body’s nourishment and sustenance. Since we can’t produce nutrients on our own, we have to rely on the foods we eat in order to thrive from them.
Maintain Good Health with the Right Nutrients
To reap the benefits of healthy eating and living, you first need to understand which nutrients your body needs and how to get them. The essential ones are called “macronutrients,” and you need them to perform optimally.
The top 5 macronutrients include:
- Protein – this nutrient builds and repairs tissue. Protein is such an important source of energy and consists of amino acids, which act as the body’s main building blocks for bones, muscles, and tissues.
- Carbohydrates – a carbohydrate’s main function is to provide energy, but it’s also the brain’s only source of fuel. Our body breaks carbohydrates down into glucose, which cells require to create energy. The best sources of carbohydrates include whole-wheat bread, brown rice, oatmeal, and barley. Try to limit your intake of refined grains such as white rice and breads.
- Water – this one is obviously important, as more than half of our body is made up of it. Water essentially enables the vital functions in our body and is ultimately the most important nutrient we need to live. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommends women should be drinking around 91 ounces of water (8.8 cups) per day and men 125 ounces (12 cups) per day.
- Vitamins & Minerals – both vitamins and minerals help to maintain optimal health. They are essential for growth and development. For example, vitamin D and calcium are important for healthy bones, and vitamin B helps to support the nervous system. Most minerals and vitamins are found in fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and dairy products.
- Fats – fats provide backup energy for the body and you can think of them as an alternative to carbohydrates. Both essentially provide the same benefits, but fats also help to absorb vitamins and protect your organs. Fats can come in either liquid or non-liquid form.
We recommend intaking healthy fats only, which include monosaturated and polyunsaturated fats found in:
-Olive oil
-Sunflower oil
-Corn oil
-Nuts
-Seeds
-Avocadoes
-Omega-3 fatty acids
Want more information on how you can speed up weight loss? Call (504) 475-9817 to speak with a staff member today!