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True Nutrition

Eating for Wellness

BY : JENN JANSEN , SCHEELS FITNESS EXPERT ( SANDY , UT )

We ask so much of our bodies day in and day out and expect them to perform , yet we consistently miss out on properly fueling them . For so many people , this time of year can be especially frustrating . We are well past the resolution stage of the new year and probably settling back into our old , unhealthy habits . Why is it that the majority of us can ’ t stick with those “ diets ” we commit to every year or those gym memberships that we continue to pay for but rarely use ?

The answers are complicated but the solution can actually be quite simple . We have to stop looking for a magic pill or diet or exercise fad to fix our health woes . We need to change our mindset from maybe wanting to look better in a swimsuit or with our shirt off to wanting to simply feel better . This really can be achieved with good , clean eating . A common myth is that as long as you are working out really hard and going to the gym everyday , you may then eat whatever you want . Oh how we all wish this were true ! In reality , nutrition makes up the majority of our health or lack thereof . Whether you are trying to lose weight , run a marathon , or get stronger , nutrition is the answer . So , what should you be eating ? This is where you can keep it simple with huge results .
1 . Eat whole / real food . This means limiting or eliminating overly processed foods . A great rule of thumb is to choose food that contains 5 or fewer ingredients . Lean proteins like chicken , beef , poultry and fish , vegetables , fruits , nuts and seeds . How many ingredients does an apple have ? Broccoli ? Spinach ? Just one ! Keep it Simple .
2 . Eliminate the things that are poisoning your bodysoda , sugar , processed foods with all kinds of chemicals and especially , fast food .
3 . One day at a time . One of the biggest mistakes that is commonly made is that people get too extreme right away and set themselves up for failure . Start out small by cutting back on sugar and soda first . Then you can eventually get rid of it altogether . Once you establish better habits , then you move on to the next thing .
4 . Set realistic goals . Chances are , it took a long time to get into the bad habits . They aren ’ t just going to go away overnight . One pound at a time , one meal at a time , one day at a time . Allow for an indulgence now and then and don ’ t beat yourself up for it . Get back on track and move forward .
5 . Buddy up ! Find a friend or family member to take this journey with you . The support when things get difficult will really guide you through .
Remember , this should be about a lifestyle change with the ultimate goal of overall health and wellness . Take care of your body , give it the proper fuel and it will take care of you for decades to come .