We all know there are good fats and bad fats. Good fats are found in all types of seeds such as pumpkin, sesame and sunflower, they are also in nuts, dark chocolate, olive oil and flaxseeds, the benefits of consuming foods rich in good fats is that they have been proven to lower the risk of heart disease, lower LDL cholesterol levels, triglycerides and blood pressure.
High calories content
Some of the high fat content foods found in nuts are high in calories and some people decide to fortify the benefits of these incredibly healthy and nutritious foods because of the calories. This is a big mistake as these foods can actually make you consume less as you feel more full. As opposed to the low calories foods with no fat that leave you less satisfied and craving more food. The calorie type of thinking is outdated, instead understand the nutritional benefits of the foods and how much is consumed rather than the calories.
Mindful Consumption
At HIVE we always say everything in moderation, consume your food slowly, mindful of what is on your plate and savouring every bite. Avoid watching television while eating your meal, a big problem today is that many people start to associate snacking with watching something on television or a device. And they pass this on to their children, you see it at restaurants all the time, the child is on a device while the parent shoves the food in their mouths. It is easier and convenient but it sets an association that will be very difficult to break in the future.
Your body is an Engine
Think of your body as an engine and the food you put into it is the fuel that keeps it going. Respect it and listen to what it is telling you. Be grateful for all that it does for you and what this amazing machine is capable of as long as you eat well and in moderation. You have to find out what works for your body and that does not mean its what works for your friend or spouse. Take the time to explore different dietary regimes to find one that works for you and more importantly that you can sustain. There are so many out there from Ketogenic, paleo, to macrobiotic to name a few.
Overwhelmed and don’t know where to start? Why not just start by eliminating all the bad fats, take aways, refined sugar and eating more vegetables? You will be surprised at how much better you feel and we are certain it will motivate you to embark on something bigger like an annual detox or an intermittent fast.
