Healthy Living- Take Control!

Image Credit: blog.foodnetwork.com/healthyeats/2012/02/23/rules-that-speed-weight-loss/

About a month to a month and a half ago I decided to start eating healthier and go on a “diet”. I also try to go to the gym as much as possible. Trust me, eating healthy and exercising is a BIG change for me. My close friends and family all know that I absolutely love sweets (chocolate is my ultimate weakness), soda, and snacking. This is why I’m terrible at actually sticking to diets more than a couple weeks.  But this time, surprisingly… so far so good!

Unfortunately while living back in Florida these past 8 months, I gained a whole 30 pounds!! Ugh I wanted to cry looking at the scale. I couldn’t believe it. But instead of complaining every time I looked in the mirror and doing nothing about it (like I usually did), I’m finally taking control! No longer will I be insecure about the way I look! Every day, I’m one step closer to reaching my goal and making it happen! I’ve lost between 5-10 pounds so far and I have a lot more energy. It definitely goes on way faster than it comes off!  I will be posting several updates about my journey and also great healthy food ideas and exercises. I hope you join me on my journey to a fit and healthier lifestyle!

While researching the healthiest foods for your body and to help lose weight, I found these amazing lists of foods that will do wonders for you. They are called Negative Calorie Foods and the Power 12.

Negative Calorie Foods:

If you’ve never heard of negative calorie foods, here they are! They are called negative calorie because it takes more energy/calories to digest them than the amount you are consuming. In other words, you’re burning more calories than you’re eating.

Fruits-

Vegetables-

The Power 12:

Include at least two or three of these in each of your three major meals.

1) Almonds and Other Nuts

They are high in protein, monounsaturated fat, will help build muscle, and they will fight off food cravings. Almonds are the best ones for you. Eat no more than 2 ounces (between 20-25 of them).

2) Spinach and Other Green Vegetables

Spinach and Broccoli are my choice. I particular hate spinach and most other vegetables so I hide them; I mix them in with other meals and I also put spinach in my smoothies because then I can’t taste it. One serving of spinach has almost a full day of vitamin A, half of your vitamin C, and it is loaded with the vitamin called folate, which protects against stroke, cancer, and heart disease. Broccoli is high in fiber. A fact I didn’t know is that it is more densely packed with vitamins and minerals than almost any other food.

3) Dairy Products

This includes non-fat or low-fat milk and yogurt, cheese, cottage cheese, and other dairy products. They are great for firing up weight loss and building strong bones.

4) Oatmeal

It’s recommended to eat the instant unflavored and unsweetened oatmeal and enhancing the taste by adding milk instead of water and adding berries. But if you’re like me however, you can’t eat just plain and unsweetened oatmeal lol. I need to eat the pre-flavored ones (there’s my sweet tooth kicking in). Oatmeal contains soluble fiber and eating it regularly boosts energy, reduces cholesterol, and fights against heart disease and diabetes.

5) Eggs

They will build muscle and burn fat.

6) Turkey Breast and Other Lean Meats

This includes chicken, fish, and lean steak. They will build muscle, fight against mood disorders, memory loss, and improve your immune system. Look for round, lean, or loin cuts when you’re grocery shopping. Tuna and salmon are the most recommended fish.

7) Peanut Butter

It needs to be all-natural and sugar-free. Peanut butter is great for building muscle, boosting testosterone, burning fat, and fighting against wrinkles and cardiovascular disease. Eat no more than three tablespoons a day since peanut butter still has a lot of calories.

8) Olive Oil

It lowers cholesterol, fights against heart disease, and boosts your immune system.

9) Whole-Grain Bread and Cereals

Eating these will prevent your body from storing fat by keeping your insulin levels low. They also fight against cancer and high blood pressure.

10) Beans and Other Legumes

11) Extra-Protein/Whey Powder

This will burn fat and help build more muscle. It’s great to add in your smoothies or shakes.

12) Blueberries and Other Berries

Blueberries are one of healthiest berries you can eat because they contain more antioxidants than any other fruits or vegetables. They are especially good for weight loss. Berries protect your heart, improve memory, prevent cravings, and enhance eyesight. Other fruits that are great for your body are strawberries, raspberries, grapefruit, apples, oranges, and peaches.

Remember to DRINK WATER! It is recommended to drink at least eight glasses of water a day.

Drinking at least a glass of water before every meal will help you feel full so you will eat smaller portions. If you don’t like the taste of plain water, mix in a zero calorie flavor packet! Drinking water will also help in weight loss and your body will thank you for it!

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