Nutrition is a big factor that can contribute to either weight loss or weight gain. It is a widely known fact in the fitness industry that nutrition makes up for roughly 80% of your physique! Another 10% is genetics, and the last 10% comes from your fitness regime. So, if you are looking to make a big impact on how you look as summer approaches, take an inventory of what you are eating throughout the day. Start to make small changes in your diet, in the direction of cutting back on the amount of sugar you are consuming during the day. Sugar can be found not only in foods like candy bars and cakes, but it is also hidden in foods like pasta, bread, cereal, and condiments such as salad dressings and ketchup. It can also be found in foods advertised as “healthy,” such as certain frozen meals, granola bars, and juices.
Instead of having sugar at every meal (whether knowingly or not), try to limit it to just once a day. Over time, you may find that you can even cut back to a couple of times a week. Start taking a look at the nutrition labels of the foods you buy, and see what the sugar content is. If it’s over 4 grams, it’s best to find a healthier alternative. Swap fat-free/sugar-laden salad dressings for olive oil and vinegar, white pasta for whole-wheat pasta, and white bread for whole grain/fiber rich bread. This will not only aid in your weight loss efforts, but will also cut down on inflammation, stabilize your energy levels, and help you sleep more soundly. Just a couple small changes can lead to a really big payoff!
