Eating well, feeling better, looking great. Remember the old saying "You are What You Eat?" Well, if you feel good about what you eat, chances are you'll feel good about yourself.
Believe it or not, eating well is one of the most important ways to energize your life, brighten your outlook on the world and boost your self-esteem. Many people think that looking good and feeling good means eating fewer calories, cutting fat, or eliminating whole food groups.
Actually, these behaviors can lead to low intake of essential nutrients. Missing vitamins, minerals and other key nutrients can quickly rob the energy you need to feel good both physically and emotionally.
One of the key philosophies to feeling good is to enjoy what you eat, not moralize choices as "good foods" and "bad foods." Eat what we call "power foods," foods that give you the most bang for your buck when it comes to nutrients, energy, calories and taste.
* Milk, yogurt and cheese: Calcium, riboflavin, and vitamin D in dairy foods build beautiful bodies and smiles - from the inside out.
* Lean beef: What a delicious way to get the ZIP (zinc, iron and protein) your life demands - while keeping your muscles in tip-top shape.
* Whole grain breads and cereals: High-octane carbohydrates provide fuel and much more - like heart-smart folic acid and fiber for your GI tract.
* Fruits and veggies: Eating plenty of produce helps fight disease (from colds to cancer) - and maintain beautiful, healthy skin, hair and eyes.
* Fish and chicken: Certain fishes, like salmon and tuna, provide necessary Omega 3 Fatty Acids. Chicken is also a healthy option.
Some women become so focused on what they eat and how much they weigh that it detracts from their quality of life and may even lead to eating disorders. Placing too much importance on foods, or whether you fit societal ideals in weight or appearance, can be bad for your emotional and physical health. There is more to you, and to your life, than what you eat and what you weigh.
Take a cue from a motto popularized by Eating Disorders Awareness and Prevention, Inc.: Don't weigh your self-esteem. It's what's inside that counts.
This article is attributed to the Council for Women's Nutrition Solutions.
