Stop Dieting and Lose Weight : The Importance of Eating to Nourish Your Body

Media and accepted social standards seem to rule our brains when it comes to weight loss and management. Every time we turn on the TV, check our social media or click on goggle, we are inundated with photo shopped images or strategically positioned selfies of women in bathing suits, workout gear, “lose weight now” magic pills or drastic weight loss plans that are designed to lose weight quickly, but give no guidance when it comes to maintaining weight, achieving a healthy body composition or striving for optimal health.

The touted “eat less, exercise more” and “it is all up to will power” is a myth. The fact of the matter is that food is meant to nourish our bodies and is necessary for each and every biochemical process in our body to happen effectively. We need to stop being afraid of calories. Calories are units of energy to fuel our bodies. We need them, just the right kind. One hundred calories of Coke produces significantly different information for our cells than 100 calories of broccoli does.

Eating to nourish your body includes consuming high-quality organic proteins and grass fed or free range meats free of hormones and nitrates, organic fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, heart-healthy fats, and filtered water in the food and drinks you consume, while minimizing processed foods, saturated fats and alcohol. Providing nourishment for your body in this manner helps you maintain your body’s everyday functions, promotes optimal body weight and can assist in disease prevention.

Unfortunately, there is not a one size fits all plan. Genetics, environmental exposure( pesticides, BPA, lead, mercury, etc) , stress, and hormones all play important roles in identifying the right foods, portions and supplements your body needs to reach and maintain an ideal body composition.

If you are struggling with reaching and maintaining optimal body composition, it is time to make an appointment with a qualified nutritionist for evaluation of your own biochemical uniqueness including body composition, hormones, toxic exposure, sleep, digestion, stress and genetics. Call AFMA at 512-443-9355 today to schedule your first evaluation.