Congratulations to our Giveaway Winner
Kerry Arguijo
March is one of my most favorite months of the year because I get to celebrate two things: the birthdays of some very special people in my life, and one of my passions?nutrition! And since I am so passionate about nutrition, I?ve got some pretty cool stuff planned for this blog this month! It?s all a bit hush-hush, so you?ll have to check back often to see what?s going on, but I will tell you one thing: There will be a weekly giveaway! :-)? You in? Awesome! Let?s go!
Good nutrition is so important! When you fuel your body with nutrient-rich foods, you?ll feel great (both physically and mentally), accomplish more, and have an all-round healthier body. The reverse is also true?if junky, low nutritional value foods are your fuel of choice, you?ll feel lousy, get less done, and have health issues.
In order to be healthy, our bodies need the right combination of what I like to call the Fabulous Four: protein, carbs, healthy fats, and water. Here?s why they?re the foundation of good nutrition:
- Protein builds and maintains muscle, bone, skin, hair, and pretty much every other body part and tissue in your body. It?s so important for weight loss because muscle burns calories like an inferno, so the more muscle, the more calories burned! Protein also breaks down more slowly than carbs and fat, which burns even more calories and helps you feel fuller longer.
- Carbs are the preferred fuel source for your muscles and organs. They come in healthy versions (vegetables, fruits, grains, and legumes), and not-so-healthy versions (cakes, cookies, soda, doughnuts, candy, and many processed foods). Healthy carbs are also crucial for burning calories, and since they break down more slowly than the not-so-healthy kind, they keep your blood sugar and energy levels steady, and your calorie burning furnace hot so it burns more calories!
- Healthy fats (unsaturated fats) eaten in moderation help the development and function of your eyes and brain and help prevent heart disease, stroke, depression, and arthritis. They also help keep your energy levels steady and keep you from feeling hungry.
- Water is an important ingredient in regulating your bodily functions (digestion, circulation, temperature, and many others), as well as keeping muscle fatigue at bay and for healthy skin. And an adequate water intake is imperative for losing weight! We recommend drinking half your body weight in ounces of water (150 lbs = 75 ounces, for example) every single day.
And since I want to help you have the best National Nutrition Month ever, here are some ideas to help you get started with your own celebration:
- Adopt one new healthy habit each week.
- Be adventurous! Try a new fruit or veggie.
- Host a healthy luncheon or dinner party.
- Try out a new recipe each week. Here are some of our favorites: Garlic Parmesan Chicken, Protein Waffles, Gluten-Free Pasta Perfection, and Sweet Potato Brownies.
- Make a weekly meal plan.
- Try out our Carb Cycling program!
What are you going to do to celebrate National Nutrition Month? Leave your ideas in the comments below and you could win a signed copy of Chris? book, Choose More, Lose More for Life!
?This giveaway is now over. A winner was chosen randomly and announced on Friday, March 7, 2014.
Let the celebration begin! 🙂
306 Responses
Log my calories every day and my activities as well. Hoping my wrist heals so I can join crossfit with my boyfriend.
I just purchased a bathroom scale and a scale for food portions to use. But the biggest thing I have done to help me loose weight and be healthier by going to the fitness center and start doing water aerobics. My arthritis does not allow me to do regular exercises so I am having to do alternative exercises.
For the first half of last year, I was doing so well and was in a great nutrition/fitness routine. I was finally losing weight, but more importantly, I was feeling healthier and happier. I’m not sure where it went off track, but I was not in a good place by the end of the year. After a couple months of being sad and feeling devastated, I have finally figured out what I need to do. I need to take back control of my life, weight, and health. So this month, I am going to start eating healthy and exercising again! I have to help myself. I’ll start by looking through some of your recipes!
Everyday I love to learn more on nutrition. This past year, cooking healthy meals for my family has become such a passion for me. At this point, very interesting enough that it is National Nutrition month, I’ll be taking correspondence studies specializing in Natural Holistic Nutrition! 🙂
ToCelebrate national nutrition month I will increase cardio and limit my junk food intake
What I am going to improve on its my water intake. I do not drink nearly as much as I am suppose to. I am going to try carb cycling, everything else had failed so far and people seem to be having great results.
To celebrate Nutrition Month I’m going to cut out processed foods and try new veggies. I’m going to find healthy recipes that look appealing and have great flavor. Making small changes to get to my ultimate goal. Thank you so much for sharing so much helpful information.
I need help! Please choose me!
About 9 months ago I started CrossFit and my diet has been mostly Paleo for months. I just completed a weight loss challenge at my gym and after a few weeks in ketosis my ND recommended carb cycling. So I’d love to learn more…
This month i plan to continue on that path. I listen to a lot of nutrition and wellness podcasts when I walk our dog. I eat whole foods and exercise. We are considering having another baby and I want this to be my healthiest pregnancy yet!
Going to start my food journal to help track my calorie intake. I was doing really good and lost 50lbs. I stopped doing it for awhile and now have been stuck. I still need to lose about 50 pounds more. While keeping track of what I eat I’m going to be adding more fruits and veggies. Along with getting to the gym more often instead of finding excuses on not to go.