Quality vs. Quantity

In order to lose weight and increase your health, you need to eat more. (Huh?) That is, more of the right foods. On the surface, it seems counterintuitive that eating more could help you lose weight but let's examine this concept further. Instead of looking at how much you eat, it is important to look at the nutritional quality of what you eat. For example, it does no good to cut back on calories if you are eating white flour or processed food products. Also, our bodies are designed to conserve when you cut calories. We go into starvation mode and stop losing weight. And because you are not getting the proper nutrients, you will continue to feel hungry until you fulfill your body's needs. Nutrient dense foods are plant-based, whole foods that are rich in color and phytochemicals. They also happen to be naturally low in calories and free of saturated fats. There is so much we know about the nutrients in these foods and still so much we don't know about how these foods work so well to create and maintain our health. Nature created perfect foods that work together with our bodies to promote vitality. It's no wonder that when you incorporate a huge amount of natural foods into your diet that you feel fabulous. So it's okay to load up your meals with large amounts of fruits and vegetables, beans and lentils. Also, be sure to eat something every 2 1/2 to 3 hours in order to prevent drops in blood sugar and to prevent the tendency to overeat later in the day. And when you have to make a choice about which food to eat, ask yourself if that food will make you feel healthy after you eat it. Chances are, if it is a food that comes with no packaging and was grown by a farmer, it will make you feel healthy and improve the quality of your life!