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Article
Diet & Nutrition
By Steve Sears
I'm a firm believer that you can lower your
cholesterol and weight and trim your waistline (as well as your risk for
cardiac, cancer, and other diseases) with two very simple, common sense methods:
proper nutrition and a challenging exercise regimen.
Now, I'm not a physician. So what gives me the right to make the above
statement? Because I've done it - under a physician's care.
In 1996, I had a heart attack at the age of 34, just six weeks before my only
child, my daughter Stefanie, was to start kindergarten. Scary stuff, and a real
wake up call. I'm 45 now, and the memory of July 30, 1996 often surfaces.
While I indeed stand pat that the before-mentioned methods are necessary for a
healthy lifestyle, I am certainly not saying (nor will I ever say) exercise and
proper nutrition should replace visiting your doctor and, if needed (at least
temporarily) medication. The former is certainly imperative, especially at least
for checkups, but I also believe the latter, for the most part, can be quelled
with smart eating and challenging your body during exercise.
My nutrition plan works hand in hand with my strength training and cardio
regimens. You shouldn't do one and not the other. I have never agreed with the
saying, "You can eat whatever you want as long as you exercise." If you're going
to be exercising your body, you should (an occasional cheat day or periodic
binge aside) feed your body properly to "help it along" and for it to respond to
your training. This method is practiced by many and is quite simple.
I, personally, consume smaller meals during the day, as many as five or six.
This way I am less hungry and less likely to overeat or scramble for junk food.
I eat one protein (ex - tuna steak) and carbohydrate (ex - baked potato), both
fist and palm sized, and a vegetable and/or salad in at least two of the meals.
Protein choices vary, with lean chicken, turkey or beef, fish, cottage cheese
and egg whites topping the list, while carb servings can include nonfat yogurt,
fruits and more. Add to this ten glasses of water per day (not that difficult,
believe me) and this rewards the exercise - which should preferably be performed
in the early morning to burn more fat as well as awaken you for the day - your
body undergoes.
Five to six smaller, proper meals a day will serve anyone's body well. It's
something I highly recommend. I also encourage the purchase of a good book on
nutrition and a visit to a dietitian or physician for wise advice.
Steve Sears is a freelance writer living in Bloomfield. He specializes in
corporate (bios, press releases, ghostwriting) projects and has been published
in numerous online and print publications. You can visit his website at
www.SGSWrite.com.
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