We got this question yesterday:
“What is the best food we should be eating”
It’s hard to answer.
Things do come to mind, but it’s not about one single food that needs to be eaten.
But this got me thinking… what are some parameters we can follow to drastically improve our health and fitness? Not a particular diet, but pillars that help shape the way we might eat.
#1: Eat protein
A common trend is to fall short on a protein goal, and for good reason, it’s hard to eat enough of It.
But it matters.
Protein supports:
- Muscle and strength
- Fat loss and body composition
- Satiety (you feel full longer)
- Overall nutrient intake
When protein intake is low, everything downstream suffers.
#2: Eat fruits and vegetables
Most of our lives we have been told to eat fruits and vegetables but we still find ways to avoid them.
Don’t overthink which ones. Just eat more.
Aim to include fruits and/or vegetables with at least two meals per day, plus a snack if you can.
Why?
- High nutrient density
- High volume, low calories
- Better digestion and health markers
#3: Fiber is your friend
This is simple—and directly tied to #2.
More fiber improves:
- Digestion
- Blood sugar control
- Gut health
- Appetite regulation
The easiest way to get more fiber?
Eat more fruits and vegetables.
Other good sources:
- Beans
- Lentils
- Chickpeas
- Oats
- Quinoa
- Nuts and seeds
Some foods are fortified with fiber ,which can help—but whole food sources should be the base.
#4: Eat Real Food
Eating all natural, whole foods can be a great way to eat. No, It’s not easy, but these are the foods that are going to treat your body the absolute best. There are no additives, no fillers, no extra crap that your body doesn’t know what to do with.
These foods don’t have an ingredient list.
Chicken is chicken, bananas are bananas, and potatoes are potatoes.
The concept is simple but this way of eating takes planning and effort.
The main premise of these steps is we want to be eating foods that help our body function and feel good. But also make sure we are able to reach our health and fitness goals while. Food doesn’t just optimize one thing, It optimizes the entire chain.
In good health,
Jeff
P.S.
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