Is there really such a thing as bad food?

In a world where so many people think healthy means protein and veggies only because carbs (including fruit) are bad for you, I decided to dedicate this post for everyone who suffers from labeling foods as good or bad and those who follow restrictive diets.

Did you know that eating a diet that only consists of protein and vegetables can lead to health issues in a different, yet equally dangerous way as a diet consisting of processed foods, salt, and sugar?  Crazy, right?

For this post I wanted to tackle some of the foods most labeled as bad:

1. Foods high in sodium always get labeled as bad because high salt intake has been linked to high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke.  But did you know if you eat a few foods a week high in salt and the rest of your diet has adequate salt intake and you stay hydrated…those small spikes of ingested sodium WILL NOT MAKE YOU HAVE A HEART ATTACK
2. Another food labeled as a diet “no no” for many is sugar.  But did you know that processed sugar (whole fruit is not processed sugar) once a week is NOT GOING TO GIVE YOU DIABETES.  Did you know that you can do “damage control” on that sugary cheat that is high in carbs and very low in fat by consuming is within 1 hour of an intense workout?  Not saying to eat it first and then punish yourself with exercise after, I’m saying if you want to go out for ice cream, donuts, or cookies and not see as much short term weight fluctuations enjoy them after you’ve worked out (again, don’t abuse this).
3. Fried foods are oh so delicious but oh so restricted when people go on diets, but did you know that consuming 1 fried meal a week with multiple healthy whole meals, that bad food IS NOT GOING TO GIVE YOU HIGH CHOLESTEROL.
4. Fiber is one of those diet worshipped foods.  But did you know that if you consume high fiber vegetables/foods post workout it can become a bad food?  You want fiber before or during the day not after a killer workout (messes with recovery-i’ll do a whole post on that some other time).

Moral of this blog: BALANCE and food timing is key!

Learn more about the best online fitness program which includes comprehensive programs focused on shifting towards healthier eating habits, staying fit, and building a better booty. You’ll also find a variety of fitness apparel to help get you that extra motivation to take your goals to another level. Contact me today to learn more about the best fitness programs available to get your body in gear.

Meatless Lunch Recipe

I know meatless January was a big trend in efforts of trying to get people to add more vegetables to their diet.  I personally am I vegetarian, I eat fish once a week, I eat cheese  (hate milk-don’t like the taste) a few times a month, and I eat eggs whenever I eat a cookie or cake.  The rest of the time my diet is actually plant based.  I chose to change my diet 5 years ago for moral reasons, not because one diet is healthier than the other because I believe a well balanced meat eater (aka one who eats their veggies and doesn’t consume processed meats at every meal) can be just as healthy as a well balanced vegan.

However because I am all about helping people add vegetables to their diet (believe it or not I hate veggies and I eat them because they’re good for me), I wanted to share this quick lunch recipe:

• trader joe’s wild rice medley
• peas
• tomatoes
• garlic
• cilantro
• oregano
• celery salt
• red bell pepper

I don’t track anything, so I can’t tell you the exact portions I used, but if you track your food you can definitely re-create this to your own portions

1. boil rice, cilantro, and garlic- cook until ready
2. in a separate pan add tomatoes, peas, and red bell peppers.  Saute with oregano and celery salt
3. mix veggies into rice once the rice is ready
4. serve & enjoy!

Learn more about the best online fitness program which includes comprehensive programs focused on shifting towards healthier eating habits, staying fit, and building a better booty. You’ll also find a variety of fitness apparel to help get you that extra motivation to take your goals to another level. Contact me today to learn more about the best fitness programs available to get your body in gear.