Did you know that the human body is in a constant process of regeneration? Yes, this is true!
New cells will eventually replace every cell that makes up your body today. Your body requires fuel for this regeneration process and the substances you consume on a daily basis provide the fuel. This is just one of many reasons why your nutritional habits play such an important role when you are trying to develop a lean body and midsection. Follow these top ten nutritional tips and you will be well on your way to achieving your goal of developing a lean body and abs.
1. Eat six small balanced meals per day. Every three hours you should eat a small balanced meal that leaves you feeling satisfied but not full. Each meal should consist of a protein source, quality carbohydrates, and good fats. Eating small meals every three hours will boost your metabolism, which in turn will help your body burn more calories and avoid fat build-up. You will also consume fewer total calories per day than if you were to eat three large 'traditional' meals per day. Cravings for food between meals will be far less likely to occur and you will also be less likely to over eat during your meals.
2. Minimize your consumption of sugars and other simple carbohydrates. Sugars and simple carbohydrates are often referred to as providing 'empty calories' which means that they contain calories but little or no nutritional value. These foods can also spike your blood sugar level and make your energy level fluctuate throughout the day affecting your level of alertness and productivity.
3. Consume quality carbohydrates with your meals. Examples include brown rice, cooked oatmeal, whole-wheat bread, baked potato, and yams.
4. Avoid 'bad fats' and consume 'good fats' instead. Examples of 'good fats' that our bodies need are essential fatty acid's (EFA's). EFA's must be obtained through diet by consuming foods such as fish, nuts, flax seed and sunflower seeds. Minimizing your consumption of saturated and trans fats are also very important and will help you achieve your health and fitness goal.
5. Consume protein as part of your balanced meals. Protein will provide your body with a supply of amino acids into the bloodstream and help repair muscle tissue damaged during strenuous exercise.
6. Consume fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables are an important source of essential nutrients that your body needs. Examples include broccoli, carrot, cucumber, asparagus, corn, and cabbage.
7. Drink four to six litres of water per day.
8. Make sure your diet includes a wide variety of quality carbohydrates, protein and healthy fats.
9. Consume a higher percentage of your daily caloric intake during the first half of the day. The reason for this is because your body needs more calories during the day (when you are active) and fewer calories when you are sleeping.
10. Avoid 'diets' and adopt a permanent healthy eating lifestyle instead.
Now that you have read and understood what is necessary to achieve that lean midsection you have always wanted the next step is to take the time and dedicate yourself to following through with the nutritional advice. If you would like an exercise program that compliments your new healthy eating lifestyle please visit www.1000exercises.com and follow one of our free exercise programs. |
