The new year comes with new resolutions and new goals to tackle. If you think it’s too late to start, then we hope to motivate you to become the best version of yourself in just a couple of months. If you are in a mindset to get fit and don’t know where to start, we got you covered. It might seem as easy as hitting the gym a few times a week and going straight to the weight section, but even though physical activity is important, what you eat will tremendously help in your progress. It’s easier said than done, so today we will share some tips on how to eat smarter and notice progress on the scale and the mirror.
There is no such thing as a fast way to lose or gain weight (depending on your goal), so any outrageous diet you see online must be taken with a grain of salt. Instead, paying attention and understanding what we consume every day and how we can take small but steady steps to cleanse our eating habits is highly suggested. Now don’t get me wrong, pizza, burgers, fries, who can resist them? Eating better doesn’t mean holding back on these delicious treats, but knowing when it’s ok to indulge and when to step back and reconsider. Here are two food groups you definitely don’t want to miss on your menu.
Carbs: Your energy source
If you are not familiar with how crucial carbs are in your meals, then you are missing out big time because to perform in the gym and in your everyday activities, you need energy, and carbs are where to get it. Granted, not all carbs are great, but plenty of good carbs – or complex carbs correctly named – give you the boost you need.
Simple carbs like sugars or processed foods will hinder your progress if you eat them frequently, so aim to choose more natural food like whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, and dairy. Make sure you research difficult-to-understand carbs like pasta or rice, although their whole-grain version is recommended; the refined alternatives aren’t too bad.
If you struggle with incorporating carbs into your meals, look for recipes to get a sense of how to eat them the proper way, try a safe and straightforward option first, like the one shown here, to get a hold of it and grow from there: successrice.com/recipes/spanish-rice/.
Proteins: The muscles’ friends
Proteins play a significant part in the body’s critical processes, keeping the cells fueled and providing you with strength. If the fitness industry can agree on something, how important are proteins in daily maintenance? These are just a few of the benefits consuming protein brings you:
- Protein is responsible for bone, muscle, and skin structure. For example, your hair and nails are made up of protein.
- The body uses protein to build and repair tissue, which helps muscle growth after workouts, considering muscle tissue is affected during exercise. When consuming a protein-loaded meal or snack after working out, we are aiding the recovery process our body needs to get the most out of training sessions.
- Proteins in our blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body, helping supply the nutrients it needs.
When protein is paired with fiber (a complex carb), it will keep us full for longer, meaning you won’t need to binge eat or crave unhealthy snacks. As a result, it supports weight loss while still giving us all the nutrients we need.
Some optimal protein sources are white meat poultry like chicken and turkey, lean beef, low-fat milk, yogurt, cheese, eggs, and beans, to name a few.
Ultimately, carbs and proteins are hugely essential macronutrients that help our body’s everyday processes and keep us healthy and well-balanced. Once you can plan out a good workout split that works for you and practice good nutrition, your results will be more efficient and noticeable while sustaining a healthy approach.
Final tip:
Avoid eating out as much and spend more time looking at the nutrition board of the ingredients you buy. Your future self will appreciate it, and your lifestyle will increase considerably.
