Are you REALLY eating healthy?

Committing yourself to the goal of losing weight is really a transformation of your lifestyle. Changing your diet and introducing exercise into your life are a daily challenge, and difficult to continue our whole life. There are several things that can derail you from the progress of achieving your goals. Stress and illness are two of the most common culprits that rob us of our hard earned hard-bodies, but have you ever considered some of those "healthy" foods you've just introduced to your newly nutritious lifestyle to be guilty themselves?

Some of the foods we perceive to be "good" for us also have the potential to jeopardize our diets. There are several foods we consider to be healthy, but are high in fat, sugar and/or calories! Foods like nuts and avocados are very nutritious, but also quite fattening. Other foods commonly thought to be beneficial are: protein bars, fruit juices which are high in sugar and salad dressings! How do we know at what point too much becomes bad?

These foods, while still quite wholesome, can throw us off our path to a healthier life without us even being aware. And that's the point. We need to be aware. Your number one weapon in the battle for a better body, better eating habits and ultimately a better lifestyle is knowing. Knowledge is power.

Become an expert on everything you put in your mouth. For example, if you are working out and find yourself hungry for a post-exercise snack, I suggest when you grab for that protein bar in your purse, break it in half and substitute the other with a piece of fruit. And don't give up salads just yet. Rather than drowning them in calorie laden salad dressings… think about making your own which will allow for better portion control. Or, if you are out, ask for the dressing on the side so that you can dip at your preference.

Portion control and self-control are key! Avocados are my most favorite. I put it on everything and even eat them by themselves! And they are very good for you… great for your skin and hair, rich in vitamin B and high in fiber. Unfortunately, they are also very fattening. Sure, it's the good kind of fat… but with summer coming up, no fat is the good kind in a bikini (not that I would know). I won't stop eating avocados. And I don't suggest you do either. What I will do, and I suggest you do the same, is control my portions. My rule is to use only a quarter of a small avocado when preparing a meal for myself. And as far as the guacamole… better to spoon some on a plate rather than pillaging the bowl it's served in. That way, again, I control how much I'm consuming.

Like I said, the quest for a healthier lifestyle is a lifelong commitment. A shift towards a more nutritious diet is essential and while it isn't always easy, with knowledge, portion control and a lot of will power… you'll surely be the victor!

As my good friend G.I. Joe used to say….Knowing is half the battle!

Until Tomorrow!
Keep healthy, keep safe and keep going!
Have an awesome day!

♥Fit~NOW~Girl♥