Six Steps to a Healthier You - The Right Fuel, Part 1

Along with adequate sleep, regular exercise, plenty of fresh air and sunshine comes Step Number Four: Eating Right. Now I don't mean eating right ALL the time, or never having another chocolate chip cookie, or going to the movies without buttered popcorn. I just mean being more aware, and making better choices most of the time.

There is lots of great information on healthy eating. As we learn more about the right foods to eat we are more apt to make better food choices. When we aren't eating adequate amounts of lean protein, fiber-rich foods, fresh fruits and vegetables the endorphin level in our body is lowered. Low endorphin levels, among other things, cause us to crave fat. Rather than giving in and eating french fries or potato chips or chocolate bars, we can make a better choice when we are aware of the reasons for our cravings. If you have a craving for fats or sweets, you need more protein. A doughnut and a cup of hot chocolate might be what you're taste buds are telling you to have for breakfast. But before you know it you're wanting another doughnut and then another and another. Try fiber and protein instead. A bowl of oatmeal with bananas. Eggs and toast. Cottage cheese with unsweetened yogurt and fresh fruit. I'm sure you can come up with more great breakfast ideas. Start your day off right by giving your body high grade fuel.