10 Nutritional Tips to Develop a Lean Body
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 http://www.1000exercises.com and follow
one of our free exercise programs.