GETTING BACK TO THE BASICS!!!
YOU’VE HEARD THIS BEFORE BUT HOW MANY OF US REALLY PUT IT INTO PRACTICE ON A DAILY BASIS?
CHEW YOUR FOOD! Chewing your food thoroughly releases stomach enzymes in preparation for the work of digestion (which is why you shouldn’t chew gum). Chew until your food is almost liquid (about 25 times) before swallowing, especially when eating nuts. Chewing your food properly aides with nutrient absorption.
DRINK WATER! While not technically a food, even mild dehydration can stress your body. Every process in your body relies on water and without enough of it; you can’t function at your peak. Keep your nerves steady by staying well hydrated. Drink ½ your body weight in ounces of water. For example, if you weigh 140 lbs., you would need to drink 70 ounces of water per day. This translates to almost nine 8 ounce glasses per day.
DON’T EAT LATE NOR GO TO BED LATE! Eating late means your digestion will be active when your body is trying to rest. The body does best if you are sleeping by 10 p.m. The adrenals (which takes the brunt of the stress), do most of their recovery between 11 p.m. and 1 a.m.
DON’T SKIP MEALS! Especially breakfast. Skipping meals can affect your concentration; make you irritable and ravenous at your next meal. There is only so much nutrition the body can absorb in one sitting. Big meals at the end of the day add weight. Maintain a steady flow of fuel throughout the day. Ideally eat every 2-3 hours, 3 small meals and 2-3 mini snacks.
