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
Looking for new meal ideas. Educate myself on nutrition.
I have been trying for several months to drop the last 20 lbs in my journey. As a college student losing weight has been extremely difficult. Roomates living off of pizza and ramen, a skinny boyfriend (now fiance) who is able to eat whatever he wants and never gain an ounce and a family who loves buttery, fried southern food…But now I have gotten my fiance on board with smarter eating, water drinking and he even goes to the gym with me sometimes so it is getting easier to be healthy. But those 20 lbs still won’t budge…well they wouldn’t…but then I started TURBO CARB CYCLING, drinking Bode shakes for breakfast and Bode BURN in the afternoon. It’s been two weeks and I’ve dropped almost 5 lbs, I can literally feel the fat coming off (even though it’s just 5 lbs I feel and look much more toned) and my exercise regime hasn’t changed; still 5 days a week, mixing up light and heavy cardio and strength training.
The first thing I am going to do is start making sure the calories I am taking in are healthy calories!
Meal planning is my biggest struggle. I love to eat healthy. But as a busy mom of four I don’t always make the best decisions and a lot of the time I let fatigue bring us to a fast food restaurant 🙁
For the past 4 years I have been trying to eat healthy and exercise regular. However in the past year I have had 2 surgeries (one being for a hernia) I have had to take it easy on the exercise. I ended up gaining 30 pounds. I wasn’t eating very clean either. I have been back on track and have lost 10 of the 30 pounds I have gained. This month I want to start a journey to transform my body. Yes, I have lost weight and built some muscle but I never could see “real” transformation. I know if won’t be easy. I am almost 47 and have Hashimotos disease. But I know I can do it. I have Chris first book and would love to have a copy of the second one.
I have been on turbo carb cycling since January 1st…down 20 lbs!!!!! This month I’m starting boot camp classes to try to push myself further!!!
I would love to learn about healthy meal planning. Especially about meals that would be enticing to a husband that your trying to get to give up Lil Debbie Snacks !!! We are incorporating a new way of eating in this household and am proud to say my husband has been reaching for the fruit ! We are trying to choose food wisely.
I am walking everyday, and drinking alot more water. I got a Vitamix and am drinking more fruit and veggies smoothies and juices. I don’t buy processed foods.
Thank you for this information. I want to become a personal trainer and any information on nutrition helps my goal. Nutrition is what makes results!!
To celebrate National Nutrition Month I’m going to continue to feed my 11 year old 1 new fruit or vegetable every week. We’ve been doing this for a couple of months now and have found produce that once was considered “gross” is now delicious! Turns out she LOVES brussel sprouts!! It’s a win for all of us!