Food is Fuel

You’d never put the wrong type of gasoline into your car or plug it into a faulty electrical socket. So, why feed your body anything less than high-octane foods?

Think of food as fuel that powers your health. Staples, such as apples, berries, and citrus fruits, provide antioxidants for healthy lungs and longevity. Forgo fad diets and visit your local farmer’s market or organic grocer for a cornucopia of energy- producing foods.

We need to refuel every day, absorbing the best protein, vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, and healthy fats to keep our engines running smoothly. Simply follow a few common-sense guidelines, such as:

• Eat plenty of veggies and lean protein, such as fish, yogurt, poultry, eggs, seeds, and nuts.

• Drink eight glasses of water daily to keep your body temperature steady, assist digestion, protect vital organs, and much more.

• Replace white bread, which converts quickly to glucose in your body, with whole grains, such as quinoa, brown rice, and oatmeal, to satisfy your hunger longer.

• Oil your gears to keep your brain sharp and heart healthy by adding a small amount of good fats, such as avocado, nuts, and olive oil, to each meal.

• Exchange sugary treats and processed foods with a piece of fruit or heart-smart homemade treat.

Eat to live rather than live to eat. Chocolate is not a food group, although, a little antioxidant-rich dark chocolate is actually good for you. Exchange that quick sugar-induced bolt for more sustained energy from fatty fish and dark leafy greens. Keep up your strength before and after workouts with healthy carbs, such as brown rice, fruit with yogurt, or bananas with almond butter. And stay hydrated. Your body will thank you for it.

by Lori Berezin