RETHINK WHAT YOU KNOW ABOUT HEALTHY EATING

September 24, 2018 by Renee Tavoularis

There is no shortage of nutrition and diet information available on the internet, in the media, and from well-meaning family and friends. But some of the information may be not the best advice to help you sustain a healthy diet. Everyone has heard the intense focus on “how much” you eat. But, let’s take a closer look at some common healthy eating myths and learn why “what” you eat and “how” you eat it are also super important things to consider.

WHAT YOU EAT AND DRINK 

When the intense focus on how much we ate didn't work in the long-run towards contributing to good health and wellness, it wasn’t really a surprise for some of us. The “calories in, calories out” philosophy (i.e. how much you eat) is being drowned out with research on other factors that may be just as important.  Limiting calories, carbs or fat can certainly help you lose weight but that's simply not the only factor for long-term weight loss and maximum energy for everyone. What you eat and drink takes center stage.

Ideally, you need a varied diet full of minimally-processed foods (i.e. fewer “packaged” “ready-to-eat” foods).  This simple concept is paramount for weight loss, energy, and overall health and wellness.

Every day aim for:

• A colourful array of fruits and veggies at almost every meal and snack. You need the fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
• Enough protein. Making sure you get all of those essential amino acids (bonus: eating protein can increase your metabolism).
• Healthy fats and oils (never “hydrogenated”ones). There is a reason some fatty acids are called“essential”- you need them as building blocks for your hormones and brain as well as to be able to absorb essential fat-soluble vitamins from your uber-healthy salads

HOW YOU EAT AND DRINK

Also pay attention to how you eat and drink. Studies are definitely showing that this has more of an impact than we previously thought. Are you rushed, not properly chewing your food, and possibly suffering from gastrointestinal issues?  

When it comes to how you eat let's first look at “mindful eating”. Mindful eating means to take smaller bites, eat slowly, chew thoroughly, and savour every bite.  Notice and appreciate the smell, taste and texture.  Breathe. 

This gives your digestive system the hint to prepare for digestion and to secrete necessary enzymes. This can also help with weight loss because eating slower often means eating less. Did you know that it takes about 20 minutes for your brain to know that your stomach is full? 

We also know that more thoroughly chewed food is easier to digest and it makes it easier to absorb all of those essential nutrients. 

And don't forget about drinking your food. Yes, smoothies can be healthy and a fabulously easy and tasty way to get in some fruits and veggies (hello leafy greens!) A green smoothie can make an amazingly nutrient-dense meal and is way better than stopping for convenient junk food – just consider a large smoothie to be a full meal not a snack. Try our fiber-rich Chia Peach Green Smoothie.
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