Stephanie Bauman – @TrainerSteph7
Do you ever think before you eat? I mean actually think before you take a bite of that donut. And I don’t mean thinking “this is going to taste so good.” Do you eat to satisfy a need or a craving? Do you eat for that microwave effect, where you want it now? Why am I asking you all these questions? I want you to actually think about what you think about when you are eating. I’m trying to get you to stop and really focus on why and what you are eating. I want you to eat with purpose!
Everything you put in your mouth should have a purpose! Protein, carbs and fats have a purpose. And the number one purpose for food shouldn’t be just to satisfy your hunger or craving. I really want you to focus on why you should eat this. So when someone asks you what your thoughts are on some food item, you can respond back and say “what is the purpose for that food for you.”
Let’s go over the big 3 (Protein, Carbohydrates and Fats) and what their overall purpose is when you eat them.
Protein is the basic building block of the body. Protein helps build muscles, blood, skin, hair, nails and internal organs. All of your meals should start with a protein source. Protein will keep you fuller longer. So if you’re not sure when your next meal will be then eat a high protein snack to keep you fuller longer so you’re not grabbing a high carb snack in an hour or two.
Carbohydrates are your body’s first choice for energy. If you don’t eat enough carbohydrates you can get fatigue, muscle cramps and poor mental health. But making sure you are eating the right carbohydrates are key! Try to avoid refined sugars such as candy, desserts, cookies, white flour, sugary juices and drinks and regular sodas. Choose fruit, raw or canned in its own juice, brown rice, oatmeal, whole-wheat breads, whole-grain cereals, milk or yogurt, beans, legumes or starchy vegetables.
Fat is an essential nutrient which provides energy and energy storage. Most people will consume too much trans fat and saturated fat. You really need to avoid trans fat all together and eat more unsaturated fatty acids (monounsaturated and polyunsaturated).
So the next time you are about to eat something, stop and think what is this food going to do for me and my body? Do I need the protein, carb or fat? Make sure your meals are balanced! And really, really think about the foods you are eating and why you are eating them!
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