Eating Habits

Fitness is not only about what you do but also about what you eat.

If you think you may not be eating properly answer yes or no to the following questions

• Do you drink less than 2 litres of water a day?
• Do you drink alcohol more than 3- 5 times a week?
• Do you eat when you are stressed, bored or depressed?
• Do you eat red meat more than 3 times a week?
• Do you add salt, sugar or sauces to your meal?
• Do you eat a large evening meal?
• Do you eat after 8pm?
• Do you snack in front of the TV or before going to bed?
• Do you eat under 3 meals a day?
• Do you regularly drink Fizzy drinks and or more than 5 tea or coffees?

If you answer yes to any of these questions you may not be eating healthily.

If your answer is yes to three or more, you should gradually try changing your habits.

The first thing to do is to banish the word “diet”.

Make a list of the foods you are eating.

Substitute some of your red meat meals for free range chicken.

Reduce your alcohol intake and increase water.

Eat regularly and try not to eat anything after 8pm.

Boosting your intake during the day gives you energy that you burn off. When you eat at night it is stored as fat.

At each meal try and include at least one of the following. Nuts, apples, pears, raisins, dried fruit, whole grain bread not white, sweet corn, brown rice, tuna, edam cheese or other low fat cheese, wholegrain cereal, green vegetables, bananas, chicken, tofu, salads.

Remember when we have a healthy eating program it is reflected in our healthy appearance – clear skin, shiny hair, sparkling eyes and we look and feel great.

Snacks – Most of us snack on things that are not good for us Biscuits, cakes, chocolates and chips etc.

Organise healthy snacks – carry with you fresh fruit, nuts, dried fruit – raisins, currants, dates, figs, wholemeal, grain or pita bread or rice crackers and drink plenty of water.

Dinner – Light evening meal with plenty of vegetables or salad.

Healthy food is delicious and good for you. Enjoy.