By John Villalobo | Food and Health Contributor
The end of winter is a time when men and women of all ages begin to take notice of their bodies so as to prepare them for swimsuit and trunk season. People everywhere will hit the weights with a bit more effort while others may decide to venture into the cold, snowy streets for 5 miles around the local park. There is nothing like feeling comfortable in one's skin but also realizing that there is room for improvement. While working out is important to ensuring a healthy, sexy summer bod, the only way to a truly crowd-stopping physique is through food.
Nutrition and health experts from a variety of specializations all agree one one thing: every person is an individual and nothing will work at all times, for an extended amount of time, for everyone, without diligence and dedication. Dr. Gabriel Morales, a dietary consultant and health and wellness expert with the Mayo Clinic, believes that Americans are so used to attempting exercises and healthy habits right after the new year, but fail terribly soon after. "As a culture, we are expecting a magic pill that will turn us into what we want," Morales stated. "You cannot simply find a diet plan that functions and then stop exercising. Slowly but surely build off what you already know and supplement it with fresh vegetables, fruits, and granola."
The end of winter is a time when men and women of all ages begin to take notice of their bodies so as to prepare them for swimsuit and trunk season. People everywhere will hit the weights with a bit more effort while others may decide to venture into the cold, snowy streets for 5 miles around the local park. There is nothing like feeling comfortable in one's skin but also realizing that there is room for improvement. While working out is important to ensuring a healthy, sexy summer bod, the only way to a truly crowd-stopping physique is through food.
Nutrition and health experts from a variety of specializations all agree one one thing: every person is an individual and nothing will work at all times, for an extended amount of time, for everyone, without diligence and dedication. Dr. Gabriel Morales, a dietary consultant and health and wellness expert with the Mayo Clinic, believes that Americans are so used to attempting exercises and healthy habits right after the new year, but fail terribly soon after. "As a culture, we are expecting a magic pill that will turn us into what we want," Morales stated. "You cannot simply find a diet plan that functions and then stop exercising. Slowly but surely build off what you already know and supplement it with fresh vegetables, fruits, and granola."
There are four things that Dr. Morales recommends to those seeking to get fit for summer. He doesn't recommend performing them all at once, but to find one that works for your lifestyle and keep at it until one's fitness goals are reached.
1. Carb Cycling: This is something that should be done on occasion: Dr. Morales usually recommends up 6-8 weeks. Carb cycling is considered a powerful tool for weight loss. Combining the benefits of a low carb diet plan with periodic days of carb loading is said to be an effective way to lose weight and keep it off. The reason folks claim this is beneficial, particularly for men, is because one receives weight loss results and allows for the building of muscles to occur.
2. Fasting: Over the last few years, fasting has received plenty of attention. This can be done in many ways. Dr. Morales recommends a 10-12 hour fast (depending on one's training schedule) every other day. Fasts may be scheduled around workouts and a convenient day of the week (weekend for most). For example, weekend meals may not be as organized and clean as weekly meals, so a fast Sunday evening would prove beneficial to cleanse the body of toxins for Monday morning. Many include a fasting between the hours of 8pm and 6am, which allows the body to use energy meant to metabolize food to rejuvenate the body in other ways.
3. Green Foods and Supplements: During rigorous training sessions, proteins are your best friends. One off days or hours before a workout, salads, fruits and other vegetables are a smart investment for your body. If high-intensity workouts are part of your fitness routine, ensure that a few leafy greens are a part of your meals while also adding lean meats. Additionally, supplements free of additives and chemicals, such as Quick Loss by MJ Products, are smart choices for those who want to burn fat while building muscles. "Supplements, like Quick Loss, are important to shed fat in a shorter amount of time," Dr. Morales commented. "Because it is made from all-natural substances and contains aloe vera, this product is a highly-recommended slimming supplement that is effective at boosting metabolic rates and shedding fat fast."
4. Juicing: Most folks do not prioritize eating vegetables, so juicing can be a fun and tasty way to include them into your diet. Include a variety of fruits of vegetables into your fruit juice/smoothie, such as bananas, guava, sugar cane, spinach, tomatoes, lime, and cucumber. These are some of the most versatile fruits and vegetables and they will fill you up in between meals. For added flavor, try adding a teaspoon of honey or brown sugar for that candy treat (without all the unnecessary calories).
1. Carb Cycling: This is something that should be done on occasion: Dr. Morales usually recommends up 6-8 weeks. Carb cycling is considered a powerful tool for weight loss. Combining the benefits of a low carb diet plan with periodic days of carb loading is said to be an effective way to lose weight and keep it off. The reason folks claim this is beneficial, particularly for men, is because one receives weight loss results and allows for the building of muscles to occur.
2. Fasting: Over the last few years, fasting has received plenty of attention. This can be done in many ways. Dr. Morales recommends a 10-12 hour fast (depending on one's training schedule) every other day. Fasts may be scheduled around workouts and a convenient day of the week (weekend for most). For example, weekend meals may not be as organized and clean as weekly meals, so a fast Sunday evening would prove beneficial to cleanse the body of toxins for Monday morning. Many include a fasting between the hours of 8pm and 6am, which allows the body to use energy meant to metabolize food to rejuvenate the body in other ways.
3. Green Foods and Supplements: During rigorous training sessions, proteins are your best friends. One off days or hours before a workout, salads, fruits and other vegetables are a smart investment for your body. If high-intensity workouts are part of your fitness routine, ensure that a few leafy greens are a part of your meals while also adding lean meats. Additionally, supplements free of additives and chemicals, such as Quick Loss by MJ Products, are smart choices for those who want to burn fat while building muscles. "Supplements, like Quick Loss, are important to shed fat in a shorter amount of time," Dr. Morales commented. "Because it is made from all-natural substances and contains aloe vera, this product is a highly-recommended slimming supplement that is effective at boosting metabolic rates and shedding fat fast."
4. Juicing: Most folks do not prioritize eating vegetables, so juicing can be a fun and tasty way to include them into your diet. Include a variety of fruits of vegetables into your fruit juice/smoothie, such as bananas, guava, sugar cane, spinach, tomatoes, lime, and cucumber. These are some of the most versatile fruits and vegetables and they will fill you up in between meals. For added flavor, try adding a teaspoon of honey or brown sugar for that candy treat (without all the unnecessary calories).
While Dr. Morales recommends these four steps, the essence of fitness will come from each individual. Understanding one's body type, needs, and fitness goals will allow a better dietary plan to develop. Including supplements will facilitate health and wellness goals at times, and all-natural ones like Quick Loss ensure that only the best vitamins and minerals enter the body. With a little determination, time, and effort, that summer bod we've been dreaming of is more likely to strut itself in front of the mirror - and on the beach - in just a few weeks.