“Eat Real Food. Not Too Much. Mostly Plants.” (2/5)
Missed Part 1?
Read about our 2017 Nutrition Challenge and register here.
What do we really mean by this?
It’s sounds really easy to follow, but is it? In today’s GO! GO! GO! society it’s hard to slow down and pay attention to what we’re really doing.
In yesterday’s post I put up a brUTE Strength podcast discussing 10 things people can do to be consistent. Look that up for tips about staying consistent with the following.
Green bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and sausage
EAT REAL FOOD
Nutrient-rich food should be perishable: fresh vegetables, fresh fruits, fresh meats, nuts, seeds, and healthy fats like olive oil, coconut oil, grass-fed butter, etc.
If you shop around the perimeter of the grocery store you’ll find most of these foods. The aisles contain food-like products (created by science!) that are usually processed and filled full of preservatives and fillers.
Broccoli, sweet potato “pasta”, and grilled chicken
NOT TOO MUCH
Americans tend to overeat. For some, the “eat until you’re stuffed” concept still exists long after high school athletics. You are now an adult who spends the majority of your day stressed out and sitting.
Our guidelines are simple. We use an eyeball method: look at the size of your hand. When building a meal, the protein source should be the size and thickness of your palm. Starches like potatoes, rice, or pasta should also be the size and thickness of your palm. Fill the rest of your plate with vegetables. Cook or dress your food with a healthy fat.
If your t-shirt size is a medium or small then eat 3 plates a day. If large or larger then eat 4 plates a day.
No snacks. Do not “get stuffed.” Do not go for seconds.
“Primalaya” contains many vegetables of many colors. EAT THE RAINBOW!
MOSTLY PLANTS
Most adults do not get enough greens in their systems. These carbs also contain the micronutrients (vitamins & minerals) that are necessary to support healthy body systems. When veggies aren’t a staple of someone’s diet we can see why all these vitamin & mineral supplements are constantly being advertised and sold by the boatload. It’s “easier” to fill in the blanks and take pills for some rather than take the time to show the body some respect and eat cleanly.
Fresh produce is best, but frozen works in a pinch. Buy locally and eat what’s in season.
As we progress through the next couple of weeks we will go in depth with each of these philosophies.
