You are what You Eat

   The old saying "you are what you eat" rings true. If you eat in an unhealthy way without moderation your body will reflect your diet and it will spill over into your lifestyle. Food is a primary factor in our overall health.

   The common food classes that put on weight are:

   1. Fats and oils: The body needs these in moderation. Most of us eat foods that are too high in these substances.
   2. Carbohydrates: this group of foods is necessary for the body but is commonly the cause of weight gain, as people eat an  excess of these foods.
   3. Sugar: The body does need saccharides but many people eat too much of these sugars, especially sucrose which leads to weight gain. Sugar is an oddly addictive food the more you eat the more you want to eat.
   4. Empty calorie foods: termed as "junk foods"-they just have calories but little or no nutritional value. The 2 commonest forms of "junk food" are sodas and chips.
   5. Any foods taken in excess: can lead to weight gain.

   How can we eat better and why does it matter?

When you eat a healthy diet you will feel better and certainly look better. Here are a few tips to help you:

1. Eat less-little and often is best

2. Resist temptation to snack in-between meals

3. Cut down but do not eliminate

a. Carbohydrates

b. Fats and oils

c. Sugars

4. The one saccharide you can avoid is sucrose

Dealing with cravings: This is a big problem that those trying to lose weight face. Here are some tips to help you:

1. When you eat les you will naturally get hungry but there are a couple of ways to help you with this:

a. Drink more water-ice cold is most effective

b. Eat more fiber-this fills you up and allows your digestive system to work better.

2. Sugar withdrawal: you will experience cravings for sugar. You can counteract this by:

a. Using sugar substitutes

b. Gradually reducing sugar intake (namely sucrose)

3. Junk food and snacks: substitute for raw vegetable and high protein snacks

Fiber rich foods: These are an important part of a healthy diet. In the old days our foods were much richer in fiber and basic nutrients. However now due to several factors like refining and green harvests fiber and nutrition in our foods are considerably reduced. This means that we need to think more carefully about the foods we are consuming. Here are a few common foods that will increase fiber in your diet:

• Whole grains:

o Whole wheat bread instead of white bread.

o Brown rice instead of white rice

o Whole grain cereal (breakfast cereals)

• Fruits and vegetables: Preferably with skin if possible

Educate yourself about foods that are better for your health and eat better in moderation. You will not only lose weight you will be healthier and feel better. With your newfound health and wellbeing you will have more energy to enjoy your life to the fullest.