Nutrition

A good way to approach proper nutrition is to start with lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, and natural and low processed foods. Include moderate amounts of good quality carbs like rice, whole grains, pasta and potatoes, and quality protein like lean meats, beans, and tofu. Mix in a little bit of dairy like low fat milk, cheese and yogurt, and a limited amount of fats and sugars like candy bars and French fries. You can also try quality fats, like those found in nuts olive oil and avocados.

For beverages at mealtime it’s most important to drink water. It is the best thing for re-hydrating your body, and cleaning your palate so you can better taste your food. When you drink soda and juice while eating, you cover your taste buds with sugar. This will alter the way that you taste different flavors.

Calorie - The quantifiable amount of energy in food.

Carbohydrates - These provide energy for your body. Simple carbs come from food with naturally occurring sugars like fruits, milk and sugar.

Complex carbs include starchy foods like grains, rice, pasta, potatoes, and some fruits and vegetables. These take longer for your body to break down into slow burning energy.

Proteins - Your body uses protein to build and repair tissues, make enzymes and hormones, and to build muscles, skin, and blood. Proteins are made up of amino acids, which are vital for life, and can be found in foods made from animals (beef, pork, chicken, and fish) and plants (beans).

Lipids - This is fat that is found in plants and animals. A small amount of good fat found in olive oil, fish oil, and avocados is a good source of energy, and can contain fat soluble vitamins, and they taste great.

Vitamins and Minerals - Vitamins are important because they regulate your metabolism, your growth, and your body functions. Minerals from food are equally important. They help in the proper function and structure of all living cells, promoting the body’s performance, providing energy, growth, and healing - and your body can not create minerals. Foods that were grown directly in the soil like carrots, beets, spinach, kale, and potatoes are rich in vitamins and minerals.
 
Water - Your body is 60% percent water. You lose a quart of water per day. You need water, pure H20 for a proper functioning body. It lets your body maintain temperature by sweating and eliminates the toxins out of your body via pee-pee.  There is nothing better than an ice cold glass of water, it is very refreshing!