The Secret to Optimal Health

Nutritional density is a critical concept in devising a recommended dietary plan. It's not just vitamins and minerals that are important. Consuming phytochemicals is also essential for a normal immune system. They enable your body’s repair mechanisms to protect you from cancer and other diseases.

According to Joel Fuhrman, MD, your health is predicted by the nutrients you take into your body. Every food you eat has nutritional value. The problem is, most of what American’s eat today has poor nutritional value.

By learning HOW to eat as much as you want... never be hungry... and have large quantities of high-nutrient foods... is the secret to optimal health and permanent weight control.

Nutritional eating does not require deprivation. In fact, you don't have to give up any foods completely. However, as you consume larger and larger portions of health-supporting, high-nutrient foods, your appetite for low-nutrient foods naturally decreases and you loose your addiction to them. Yes, your heard it right. Addiction. No wonder it is so extremely difficult to make the changes necessary to loose weight and achieve better health. No one ever told us about the addiction created by the foods we are now consuming.

THE TRUTH ABOUT SWEETS:

Average Americans eat far more sugar than they need, often without knowing the health consequences. Sugar exists in various stages of refinement.

Simple sugars have already been so heavily refined that your body has to work less in order to convert them into glucose, or blood sugar, for use.

Complex sugars are the least refined and take the body longer to break down. The simpler the sugar the less nutritional value it possesses. The most complex sugars are the least refined, retaining all original nutrients for the body.

By following the simple guidelines listed below, you can reduce your intake of simple sugars and thus reduce your risk of diabetes and obesity, resulting in a longer, healthier life.

1. Exercise Regularly. As if there aren’t enough reasons to exercise, 20 minutes a day of rigorous physical activity brings the rush of endorphins you’re craving. In fact, when you feel a craving coming on, immediately step outside for a brisk walk or quick hop on the treadmill. Pretty soon, you’ll crave the workout instead of the doughnut.

2. Graze on Healthy Snacks Throughout the Day. The traditional three-meal-a-day diet hasn’t done much for sugar addicts. The full feeling after meals turns to hunger in a matter of three or four hours, leaving you susceptible to sugar cravings. Make healthy snacks accessible all throughout the day and use them to keep you satisfied.

3. Drink Water. Lots of Water. A craving is often a sign of dehydration, not a cry for food. Carry a bottle of water or iced herbal tea with you to combat sugar attacks.

4. Cut Back on Caffeine. Plain and simply, caffeine can cause a drop in blood sugar levels. Switch to herbal tea if possible.

5. Grab a Piece of Fruit. If the above tips aren’t taming you sweet tooth completely, don’t quit! Keep up the good work, and reward yourself with a piece of fruit, like a pear, apple or orange. Fructose sugars don’t send blood sugar levels on the roller coaster ride...and the fiber in the fruit will fill you up.