The 'D' Word - DIET!

Today is the day you will never ‘diet’ again! Your new definition of diet is your DAILY INTAKE OF ENERGY TREATS! Your daily eating plan and your 5 meals a day is your diet. No deprivation, all real foods, no packaged or pre-cooked foods. Just a good, healthy eating plan. Think S-F-H, (small, frequent and healthy)!

Let’s stop and think about the foods people had to eat way back in the 1800’s: vegetables grown in the ground, fruit off the trees, animals that were hunted, fish that were caught in the river or sea, and grains that were picked. Have you ever heard of an ‘obesity epidemic’ in the 1800’s? Of course not! Not only were ALL of the foods natural, but energy was expended every time someone was hungry – there were no supermarkets!

200 years ago, there were no pasta primaveras, cheese enchiladas, or chili rellenos and definitely, no pizza! Unfortunately, those days were much more primitive and cooking was done over a wood burning fire. There were no microwaves or fancy ovens, no food processors, pasta machines, or even refrigeration. Whatever was caught or gathered that day was eaten. Think of what you eat daily. Do you think you eat ANYTHING that is one day fresh?

If our society could get back to the basics by eating all-natural foods, more fruits and vegetables, fresh fish instead of red meat (primarily because we do not perform manual labor enough to burn the calories in red meat) and less sugar and flour products, we would never have to watch what we eat again. Of course, activity level would need to be increased since the pioneers and Indians walked or rode horses for transportation. As you know, this burns more calories that sitting in a car or at a desk.

If we could incorporate the ways of our ancestors by eating more natural foods and exercising more intensely, we could improve so many aspects of our lives like:

- increased mental and physical energy
- higher metabolism
- increased muscle mass
- body-fat reduction
- improved body image and self esteem
- improved mood
- ALL heart related health issues

Remember to never use the ‘D’ Word again. Common sense eating combined with exercise is the way to better health. Period.

Wes Greer is the owner of the Fitness Together Personal Training studios in Ponte Vedra, Mandarin, and Atlantic Boulevard. Email wesgreer@fitnesstogether.com, call 904.285.3236 or visit www.FTJACKSONVILLE.com for more information.