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7 Healthy Eating Habits for Weight Loss

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Knowing how and when you eat can impact your health and your weight. Improve your eating habits to maximize fat burning and keep hunger at bay.

1) Eat breakfast

Eating in the morning gives your body the energy it needs to start the day and sets your metabolism rate for the rest of the day. Missing a healthy meal in the morning also increases stress. Lean protein, whole grains, fruits and vegetables are ideal for a good healthy breakfast. If you stick to this, you’ll eat less throughout the day.

2) Eat every 2 – 3 Hours

You should enjoy your meals at the same time every day. Timing your meals will improve your fat loss, and allows you to control your appetite and metabolism. Eating your protein on your plate first will help speed up the signal to your brain that you are full.

3) Do not eat within 3 hours of bedtime

Eating too close to bedtime interferes with the quality of your sleep and the natural fat burning benefits of a good night sleep. Sleep deprivation leads to more cravings and a greater likelihood of overeating the next day.

4) Develop good eating habits

Do not eat while you are watching TV, working, surfing the Internet, etc. Relax and enjoy your meal!

If you are eating out, make sure that the meal you order contains green vegetables and ask the server to only put half the meal on your plate and pack the other half to go. Make sure that you include green veggies in your order…get full on those before eating other food.

Write down what you eat, think before you eat, and then eat slowly. Snacks should typically contain no more than 100 calories and 15 grams of carbohydrate, so plan ahead.

Control portion size with a smaller plate, it really works! Larger plates can make a serving appear smaller. You’ll eat 20% to 25% less and save up to 500 calories.

5) Stay hydrated

Drink WATER. A glass of water 30 minutes before a meal will curb your appetite and help reduce your calorie intake. Also, don’t reach out for a beverage that contains sugar or words you can’t pronounce. Tea, coffee and alcohol intake should be minimized, as these substances are diuretics that lead to dehydration. Dehydrated body tissues are much less elastic and do not absorb the stresses of exercise well. What’s great about water…it will help you lose weight because it makes you feel full and it is zero calories!

Adjust water intake depending on the weather conditions. As a general rule, drink eight 8-ounce glasses of fluid a day. Also, increasing your water intake is one of the most important things you can do when attempting to cleanse your body naturally. Drink the recommended 8 glasses throughout the day…drink a glass of water first thing in the morning and with every snack or meal.

6) Multivitamins

Even the best eating plans fall short of meeting all of the 40-plus nutrients you need each day. Taking a once-daily multivitamin is an easy way to fill in small nutritional gaps. Choose a multivitamin designed for your age and sex so that the nutrients included will be right for you.

7) Measure and weigh your food

Put your measuring cups and food scale to use! Measuring and weighing are a critical component of controlling your calorie intake.

Delicious Pear Salad

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This scrumptious and filling salad of colorful greens, juicy pears and savory feta cheese is a delicious addition to a healthy diet. Add protein and turn the salad into a meal in a bowl:
 
– Add grilled chicken breast strips or shredded rotisserie chicken breasts for a delicious and healthy meal.
 
– Add dry roasted unsalted sunflower seeds or chopped walnuts for a delicious and nutritious crunch.
 
Ingredients – Salad:
1 bag of mixed salad greens (5 ounces)
2 medium size pears, sliced thinly
½ cup crumbled feta, goat cheese or blue cheese
 
Ingredients – Dressing:
3 – 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 lemon juice or 2 -3 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
¼ teaspoon sea salt or to taste
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper or to taste
 
Preparation:
 
In a bowl, whisk oil, lemon juice or balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper.
Add greens and toss well. Place on plates.
 
Scatter cheese and pears over each plate. Serve immediately.
 
Serves: 6
Active Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition Facts Per Serving: 120 Calories, 8g Carbohydrates, 11mg Cholesterol, 7g Fat, 125mg Potassium, 3g Protein, and 190mg Sodium
 
7 Reasons to Eat More Pears:
 
1) Weight Control
 
Pears are a delicious and filling snack, they contain enough sugar to satisfy your sugar needs and keep your weight in control.
 
2) Prevent Heart Disease
 
Pears contain soluble fiber, a nutrient that can reduces the absorption of LDL “bad’ cholesterol, a key contributor for plaque buildup on the walls of the arteries.
 
3) Boost Metabolism
 
Pears are packed with vitamin C, that helps burn body fat. They are also about 84% percent water and will keep you hydrated.
 
4) High in Antioxidants
 
Pears are loaded with antioxidants. Antioxidants prevent damage and repair damage to cells.
 
5) Hypoallergenic Fruit
 
Pears are hypoallergenic. Individuals who suffer from allergies can eat pears with no adverse side effect.
 
6) Colon Health:
 
Pears contain a large fiber content that is very helpful for maintaining colon health. The pectin content of pears can act as a mild laxative.
 
7) Reduce Inflammation:
 
Pears contain high flavonoid quercetin, which has been found to reduce inflammation. This combats inflammatory ailments such as the hardening of the arteries.

7 Reasons to Love Spring

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Spring is the first season of the year, and it symbolizes new life. Take a moment and enjoy what nature has to offer this Spring.

 

1) Birds singing is one of the first signs that spring is here.

2) Flowers are blooming and trees displaying an abundance of spring blossoms.

3) Having a picnic at the park.

4) Opening a window and letting the sunshine in.

5) Enjoying outdoor activities: biking, camping or hiking.

6) Having more fun since the days are longer.

7) Sitting outside at a café.

 

Just like nature rejuvenates in the spring, it is time to rejuvenate your workout with Latinva. Latinva will exercise your mind, body and spirit. Share with us what you love most about spring.

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