Be Fit 'n Hip

To be fit has become an obsession nowadays, yet quite a few tend to fail n their attempt to follow a healthy lifestyle. They simply lack enough will power to say no to delicious foods that are generally high in fat, sugar, sodium and calorie content. The first priority should be to learn the skill o choosing the right kind of food. Here are a few simple tips to start you off on a healthier life.

-Eat a variety of foods daily. Start your meal with a generous helping of fruits and vegetables. Make nutritious choices from among whole grains, lean meat, fish or chicken and low-fat dairy products.

-Take a lot of high-fiber foods as they initiate a strong feeling of fullness and satiety. The body requires a balance of both soluble and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber found in oats, barley, beans, legumes and most fruits and vegetables can lower blood cholesterol and blood sugar levels. The insoluble fiber found in vegetables, fruits and whole grains helps maintain a healthy bowel function.

-Make a conscious effort to avoid foods high in fat. Use cooking methods like steaming, grilling and baking ,more often.

-Lessen consumption of processed foods. Their sodium content is so high thaty they trigger craving of sweets to balance off the taste. High intake of sodium makes a person retain water, hence, causing added weight to the body.

-Learn to swap when you overindulge in high calorie foods. Exercise more and lan ahead to eat low calorie food before and after you indulgence. Eat fruit or drink milk before going to parties; you can resist temptation to eat more when you are full.

-Eat three meals and two to three snacks per day. Grazing can help maintain a healthy weight by controlling your appetite and and increasing metabolism.

-Lastly, no skipping of breakfast as it is ineffective way to reduce your energy intake because your metabolism slows down and you are most likely to consume and crave for more food later in the day.