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As National Nutrition Month unfolds, the relationship between a balanced diet and a consistent fitness routine becomes increasingly apparent. At National Fitness Campaign, our mission to build and activate healthy communities is complemented by a holistic approach to wellness, and in this blog post, we're emphasizing the importance of nutrition. To help navigate the intricacies of integrating a nutritious diet with an active lifestyle, we talked to one of our esteemed Fitness Court® ambassadors in Eagle Lake, Texas. Ashley and Joseph Torres are not only champions of active living, but they also live by the principles of balanced nutrition & have a successful business that reflects their understanding of a balanced diet and fitness for a healthy life. As they have now been running a successful smoothie and energy bar cafe, Down on 90, Ashley and Joseph offered some helpful tips as to how we can all optimize our nutrition, and thus complement our fitness results.
Here are 8 healthy habits that can help you achieve a more balanced diet and a healthier life overall:
1. Embrace Guided Meal Planning
The Torres couple thrives by following a structured meal guide from the WeDoTransformation challenge, which includes easy, on-the-go recipes. This regimented approach ensures that their dietary choices are aligned with their fitness goals, highlighting the ease that planning your meals ahead can bring to your eating routine. Similarly, adopting or crafting a meal guide can streamline your nutrition, making healthy eating an integral part of your daily routine.
2. Prioritize Hydration
Echoing Ashley’s practices, staying adequately hydrated is fundamental for both general health and optimal performance during workouts. This simple yet crucial habit supports the body's physiological functions and enhances the benefits of your physical activities at the Fitness Court® and in your day-to-day activities.
3. Welcome Carbohydrates
Contrary to popular misconceptions, carbohydrates are essential for sustaining energy levels, particularly during exercise. Even Ashley emphasizes the importance of consuming sufficient carbs to fuel her active lifestyle, challenging the widespread belief that carbs are inherently bad. When it comes to carbs, The Dietary Guidelines for Americans suggests eating small amounts of food with healthy fats, such as avocados, olives, or nuts.
4. Don’t Skip Breakfast
Dismissing the myth that skipping breakfast aids in weight loss, starting your day with a nutritious meal is paramount, specifically one high in protein. A healthy breakfast activates your metabolism and provides the necessary energy to tackle the day ahead, including any workouts.
5. Lean on Proteins and Snacks
Incorporating lean meats, fruits, and vegetables into your diet, alongside strategic protein snacks, can keep your metabolism active and cravings at bay. Torres underscores the value of having healthy protein snacks readily available to prevent succumbing to unhealthy temptations. Decision fatigue is a real thing, so planning ahead can make a big difference in the results you’re seeing. Ashley and Joseph’s protein shake and energy bar cafe, offers their customers a wide variety of healthy options.
6. Build a Supportive Community
The role of a supportive community, whether online or in person, is invaluable in maintaining a healthy balance between nutrition and physical activity. Ashley attributes her success to the encouragement and accountability found within her community, a principle that resonates deeply with the National Fitness Campaign ethos.
7. Rethink Fitness Myths
Addressing common fitness myths, Ashley sheds light on the misconceptions surrounding weight lifting, rest days, and the duration of workouts. Integrating strength training can enhance your fitness without necessarily leading to bulkiness, rest days are essential for recovery, and effective exercise does not require endless hours.
8. Exercise with Efficiency
The belief in the necessity of lengthy daily workouts is debunked by Ashley's experience. Focusing on consistency, quality, and setting realistic goals is far more beneficial than the quantity of exercise. National Fitness Campaign's outdoor Fitness Courts® facilitate efficient and accessible workouts, proving that integrating fitness into your life can be both practical and enjoyable.
This National Nutrition Month, let's draw inspiration from Ashley and Joseph’s journeys, embracing the eight habits that pave the way to a balanced diet and an active lifestyle. By challenging myths and adopting a holistic approach to health, we can collectively move closer to achieving our wellness goals.
