Just keep going…

 

I have to say, I had another tough day getting out of bed today to get down to the gym, but if you read my post earlier (here) you know that I am so glad I went.

Motivation will almost always beat mere talent. – Norman R. Augustine

Welcome to Day 7 of 25 Days of Fitness!

I am going to keep this nice and sweet, and talk about a few power foods that I have discovered and am going to concentrate on incorporating more into my diet.

Power foods are known for doing several things such as building muscle, helping weight loss, strengthening bones, fighting cancer and heart disease, as well as boosting the immune system and its function. The main idea of power foods is to incorporate them into your diet, not necessarily into every meal, but at least one of the three major ones you eat daily.

Nuts… Are your new best friends!

Almonds are the best, however pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds are right there with ‘em. Nuts are reach in protein and monounsaturated fat, the good kind of fat that helps clean out arteries! The fat from nuts is the good kind which you want to consume. Nuts help build muscle, fight obesity, heart disease and cancer. To top it off a handful of nuts is the best way to fend of hunger and food cravings!!!

While nuts are great for you, keep your eyes peeled for salted, smoked and other forms of nuts that are delicious but high in sodium which will spike up blood pressure and exceed your daily need for sodium intake.

Beans… are very popular in our household!!

Beans such as chickpeas, pinto beans, kidney beans and even soybeans are fantastic for building muscle, burning fat and regulating digestion. They are also high in fiber, protein and iron. Beans are fantastic for your health because they help fight against colon cancer, heart disease and high blood pressure.

So add some beans to your diet!!! The Mister and I would go through beans like crazy!! We usually have at least 2 or 3 meals that incorporate some kind of a bean!! However, when it comes to beans stay away from refried and baked beans, the first is full of saturated fats the second very high in sugar.

Finally! Chug milk, eat yogurt and lots of cheese!

Yogurt, milk, cheese, cottage cheese and so on are awesome for building up bone density and fighting weight gain. Dairy products include a good amount of calcium, vitamin A and B12, phosphorus and potassium. They fight against osteoporosis, obesity, high blood pressure and cancer.

I love cheese and yogurt but HATE milk, however I know I should drink it so I mix it with some chocolate flavored whey protein and a banana, turn it into a milkshake and get my serving of milk!!

So there you have it.

Q: Do you incorporate these products into your diet? How much of each do you use?