Let's talk eating ... eating a basic way, on a daily basis, that will promote much more than a stable weight, but aid in long-term health! In a world that focuses on the scale (both body and food), please join me in sidetracking you from those silly measuring devices as we discuss the simplicity of eating for a vibrant life eating style!
If you read the “
3 Amigos” post, you know the basics about protein, fat and carbohydrates. You have learned that
they are not to be feared, but appreciated and consumed. Of course, we are all individuals, and the exact amounts we need are unique, but
elimination is not the solution to long-term health ... and happiness!
The three amigos (protein, fat and carbohydrates) jointly support our body, brain and metabolism. Magic happens when you learn how to
properly pair foods. I am not suggesting you time your food consumption or only pair a certain fruit with a certain protein ... that is INSANITY!
Learning to eat sustainably is simple.
The primary goal for all meals and snacks is to combine
protein, fat and carbohydrates together. The three amigos create a trinity for your body. Protein supports your metabolism and muscle tissue, fat provides fullness, and carbohydrates provide instant energy.
Most importantly, when you combine these three amigos, your blood sugar levels avoid a severe spike!
Why should you care about avoiding blood sugar spikes and crashes? This is what can lead to fat storage and ultimately, long-term health issues and disease.
Blood Sugar Spikes = Fat storage = Weight Gain = Excess Carb Storage = Big Problems!
If you can shift your eating habits to include the three amigos on a regular basis, you are setting yourself up for the long haul.
There is no need to count calories, count points, count grams or anything else. Once you get the hang of what's a protein (think meats, fish and eggs), what's a fat (think nuts, seeds, avocado and nut butter), and what's a carbohydrate (think potatoes, rice, quinoa and beans) ...
you will feel comfortable putting together endless meals and snacks!
Now you want examples, right?
Kick start your day with eggs and fruit, Greek Yogurt and fruit, Stir fry leftovers, or a good meal replacement shake, such as
VIBE.
At snack time you can nosh on homemade trail mix with nuts, seeds, dried fruit and coconut; string cheese and veggies; or apple and nut butter.
Lunch and dinner can range from salads packed with veggies, fruit and protein to stir fry dinners over rice or quinoa to a grilled meal including meat or fish paired with roasted sweet potatoes and veggies. As you can see, this pairing stuff is simple.
Build your own
One other food for thought (are you rolling your eyes at that pun?), is
how often to eat and why? A good rule of thumb is the
3 For 3 Rule. Eat the three macronutrients every 3 hours. This keeps your body fueled, energy high and blood sugar stable. The result is a path toward long-term
health!
After all this food talk, I bet you've worked up an appetite. Make a grocery list to keep you focused on foods that give back, and go have fun building new meals and snacks based on combining the 3 Amigos!
