March is Nutrition Awareness Month

With March being celebrated as Nutrition Awareness Month, it is a great time to bring some basics back to the forefront of our mind.  Facts that we all know, yet refuse to take heed of as we go about our daily lives. 

Here are some things that we all know are NOT good for us:

• Too much sugar
• Too many carbohydrates
• Too many heavy red meats
• Soft drinks
• Too much salt
• Too many fatty foods

Here are some things we all know we SHOULD be doing:

• Drinking plenty of water
• Eat well-balanced meals
• Walking, jogging, swimming or bike riding regularly Doing resistance exercises like weight-lifting or push-ups, sit-ups, etc.

Now, since we know these things, here's the deal in a quote from the book Body for LIFE by renowned fitness expert and author, Bill Phillips:  "There's a world of difference between knowing what to do, and actually doing it!"

 

It takes just a little effort to start following an eating and exercise plan.  It takes a great deal of effort and dedication to stay with your plan.  What follows are some practical suggestions to help you.  Don't be over zealous with your goals.  Take small steps at first.  Find a friend to take on the plan with you.  Find a good book or support group to help you.  Set an exercise schedule and don't allow little things to interfere with it.  Use the weekend to plan your meals for the week.  Don't skip breakfast.  Try to eat 6-8 smaller meals each day.  Keep portions small.  Don't snack after 8 - 9 pm at night.  Get 6-8 hours of sleep each night.

 

Do a little research on the foods you buy. Read labels.  See which foods have properties that will help you reach your goals. There are a lot of resources out there on the Internet that list what we have come to know as "Super Foods."  Prepare your spirit, mind and body for success. 

 

In addition to these practical suggestions, have the confidence in yourself that you can, and you will make a positive difference.

 

Here is a list of books that I have personally read, and know that they contain sound principles for helping you attain better health.  Some are non-secular, but excellent books nonetheless.  I do not have any personal endorsement agreements with any of these, but just some of the books I’ve read and personally recommend:

 

Book Title                             Author                     Type of Book     Basis of the Book
Body for Life……………………Bill Phillips………………Secular…………12 Week Transformation

Body for Life for Women…Dr. Pamela Peeke……Secular…………Written for Women

Bod4God…………………………Steve Reynolds………..Non-Secular…12 Week Transformation

Get Off the Couch……………Steve Reynolds………..Non-Secular…Written for Men

Eat Right 4 Your Type………Dr. Peter D'Adamo…..Secular…………Based on our blood type.

 

Get Fit.  Stay Fit.

Keith