Super Foods

Most of the time, when we think of eating, we rely on our taste buds and cravings to determine what we shall have for our meal. We eat what we want simply because it's what we like and we are entitled to it, right?. Trust me, I used to be one of the pickiest eaters around and wouldn't even try new things because I didn't like the way  it looked yet, I'd  run off to have fast food sometimes up to 3 times per day. Why? Because I wanted to enjoy my food and really didn't even consider that it just may not be good for my body.

One thing that has changed the most about me is how I think of food.  When you start to think of food in terms of fuel for the body it sheds a whole new light on the subject. We definitely wouldn't even think of putting sub par fuel in our vehicles. If the Mercedes calls for premium, would you dare put anything but? We have to change our mentality in order to change anything else about ourselves. So, let's get down to what we need to eat to properly fuel our bodies, keep our tanks full, & our engines in tip top shape!

Earlier, I mentioned the ABS Diet. The eating plan primarily focuses on what they call the 12 Super Power Foods. I have built and still continue to build a large portion of my meals around these foods. Before I discovered Clean Eating, these were my "go~to" foods. Ironically, they are all clean foods...:-)

12 Super Foods

Almonds & other nuts
Beans & Legumes
Spinach & Other green veggies
Fat Free Milk/Dairy
Oatmeal
Eggs
Lean Meat
Natural Nut Butters
Olive Oil
Whole Grains
Whey Protein Powder
Raspberries & Other berries

Visit the website to see a complete listing as well as their benefits and their imposters~It's good stuff~
 http://www.absdiet.com/uof/absdiet/withemail/power12.html

Ideally, you want to include around 3-4 of these in each of your meals and a couple in your snacks~ Always having a lean protein source with a whole grain. All of these foods are yummy and a lot of them I eat every single day such as eggs, spinach, & whey.

With Clean Eating, you can eat ALL of these foods but I would suggest instead of the instant oats use Steel Cut oats(they are minimally processed). Most often, if it's "quick cooking" it's been processed in order to be that way.  Learn to read your labels~enriched whole wheat is NOT the same as whole grain. The ingredients must read whole grain. Spelt, barley, rye, quinoa (technically a seed), whole grain brown or wild rice are all good clean grains. Do your due diligence and read up on how to eat clean or grab yourself a copy of Tosca's book........http://www.eatcleandiet.com/tosca_reno.aspx.

She also has a magazine that has wonderful recipes: http://www.cleaneatingmag.com/. You can also browse the site for recipes so bookmark it in your toolbar. 

Make sure you are eating small meals spread  equally throughout  the day. At first, this may seem daunting and unnecessary. You may feel like you are forcing yourself to eat when maybe you aren't hungry. Your body will become accustomed to it and you will need it. The idea behind it is that if you eat smaller balanced meals, you  will keep your blood sugar levels regulated, your energy levels will stay more consistent, and your body will be in a constant state of calorie burn working to digest the food. Couple that with exercise and your body will soon become a fat incinerating inferno! That's the goal, sisters!

I will put together some sample food lists and ideas of meals that I have found to be wonderful and we'll get into the "Dirty Dozen"

Jess


Food for thought:

When thinking of food as fuel, only eat enough to get you through to your next meal. We are eating for ENERGY and don't want to become Sloths after our meals. We all know that feeling...LOL. Eat on smaller plates. It's much easier  for portion control and eat slowly~it takes 20 minutes to realize you are full....:-)