When trying to lose weight, or even to get the most out of your current strength or aerobic training, New Jersey knows that nutrition is a key element that can determine how successful you are at achieving your goals. Healthy nutrition along with adequate exercise can improve your health while making your workouts even more worthwhile. Balanced and correct nutrition varies from person to person, but there are a few key rules that everyone can live by.
Here are seven of the best nutrition tips, no matter what your reasons are for training.
- Try not to over count your calories. For most people, counting calories is not necessary, once you have a rough idea of the nutrition you need each day, simply follow sensible eating habits. Try using the fist portion rule. Meat should be the size of your palm, vegetables at least half of the plate, and carbs like rice, potatoes, grains etc. should be the same as, or preferably smaller than the meat portion.
- Try unprocessed, high fiber foods to keep you fuller longer, with more energy. This is especially helpful for those trying to lose weight.
- Eat more protein. Protein also works to help you feel fuller for longer, and it will also reduce cravings. When you’re working on building lean muscle, protein is an essential ingredient. For any weight training and mass building, protein should be one of your primary food sources.
- Increase fluid intake. Increase your fluids from healthy sources, while avoiding high sugar, nutritiously void beverages. Water, especially sports water with electrolytes should be your first choice. Always check the sugar content when buying bottled sports drinks.
- Don’t skip meals, and eat more regularly. Exercise and increased muscle mass can improve your metabolism, but so can increasing frequency of meals while reducing portions. Try spreading out 6 smaller meals over the day, instead of the usual three large meals that you’re used to. This can help you feel fuller, and will keep your metabolism active during waking hours.
- Lower your salt intake. Salt is necessary to normal function and hydration, but most of us get too much in our diet. Avoid adding salt to foods unless necessary, and avoid extremely salty foods like fried foods and processed meats. This will keep your cholesterol in check, while reducing unnecessary water retention.
- Eat more fruits and vegetables. It might seem obvious, but many people undergoing new exercise regimes overlook this simple tip. Vegetables and fruits are loaded with essential vitamins and minerals, as well as being generally healthy sources of sugar and fiber. The vitamins in vegetables can also help you to absorb nutrition from other foods, so make sure to include a serving in every meal.
Staying healthy through nutrition is not difficult, but it sometimes requires discipline. Whenever you’re not sure about nutrition for your particular needs, it can be helpful to get a full nutrition plan from a doctor or professional sports nutritionist.
With the right care and attention, you can provide your body what it needs to get the most from any New Jersey fitness training regimen.