Sports Nutrition Authority ™

           Hand me a drum, it’s National Nutrition Month.  For people who are making an effort to live a healthier life, this month presents a great opportunity for inspiration; there will be great nutrition tips everywhere.  Here are a few of my own (and this column might be a good one to clip for the refrigerator door).

Keep healthy foods handy in the freezer

            Snack light. Snacking is unavoidable for all but a few, so why not just control the part you can?  Kids follow good examples, so have fruit and veggies cut up and ready to enjoy, for both your sakes. 
           The freezer is your friend.  Keep it stocked with fruits and veggies, too; they’re just as healthy as fresh, and then you can toss them into whatever you’re making.
            Soft can be good. Soft fats (like olive oil) are so much better for you than hard fats (lard).
            Deep Color, Good Health.  Vivid, colorful vegetables (carrots, broccoli, peppers, tomatoes) are more nutrient-dense than pale celery, cucumbers, and mushrooms.   Blue and purple fruits contain flavonoids (the most powerful phytochemicals in nature). Phytochemicals decrease the risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and more.  
              Avoid Cereal Killers.  Choose cereals that contain at least 3 grams (g) fiber/serving, and no more than 6 g sugar/serving.  And no trans fats!  
            Pack at Night.  Preparing your next lunch before bedtime avoids a last-minute, access-and hunger-driven purchase of processed food.  These few minutes of preparation can dramatically change the quality of your weekly intake.  Stock your workspace with healthy snacks for preventive nutrition: whole-grain crackers, trail mix, fruit cups.
            Fewer Legs, Fewer Risks.   Meat which used to live on two legs is healthier for you than its four-legged counterparts.  Protein that used to swim is packed with omega-3 fatty acids: great for your heart.  Save cows and pigs for occasional indulgences, and think of them that way. 
            Be Pro-Digestion.   Digestive health starts with fluid consumption, fiber intake, exercise, stress reduction and probiotics.  Be proactive.
            100 x 365 = 10.   Cutting 100 calories per day could result in losing 10 pounds per year.  That’s one fruity drink, the cheese on a burger, or a bag of chips.  Smart substitutions pay off.
            Fruit Juice: Upgrade, Downsize Switch from regular juice to calcium-fortified juice, but beware the serving size.  Juice is not calorie-free, by any means. 
            No Curves Ahead.   Decrease your risk of osteoporosis. Eat (and drink) calcium-rich foods for bone strength and density.  Exercise helps too.    
            Life’s a Bowl of Cherries.   Dried or fresh cherries are rich in vitamin C and fiber.  They boost heart health, reduce the risk of cancer, and are rich in melatonin (which helps sleep).
            My Take on the Cs.   Carbohydrates do not cause fat.   Calories do.
            Be Proactive in Restaurants.  A meal out can be healthier than the menu indicates.  Ask for whole grain foods and brown rice.  These are easy substitutions which make a difference.
            Fiber Fights Hunger.  Breads, cereals and pastas rich in fiber fight hunger urges and help with weight management. Just watch your serving sizes.