Author: Taylor Empey | CFT, SFN, SET, Elite Trainer Level I
Co-Owner – Iron Allies Fitness
3844 S. 300 E. Salt Lake City, UT 84115
801-263-5336
ironalliesfitness@gmail.com
So I was training a client the other day and we got talking on the subject of food and healthy substitutes. We also were talking about items to reduce and items to increase their intake of. So I thought this was a great series of tips to send to you!
The world of fitness and weight loss is often confusing, with contradictory information swirling about. I’m going to cut through the confusion and make things really simple for you when it comes to some basic nutrition advice.
Below is a list of 5 foods that you should reduce out of your regular diet.
I find these foods are what often derail my clients from their fitness and weight loss goals.
In addition, I will suggest a healthy substitute for each of these less-than-healthy foods.
By simply swapping out the items below you will quickly and effortlessly become healthier, leaner and fitter than you are today.
Do-Not-Eat #1: Anything Fried
Fried food is loaded with fat and calories while offering zero nutritional value. It’s a lose-lose! Sure, fries and chips TASTE good, but healthier items also taste good. Just say no to the deep fried items on your menu. You’ll be thinner, healthier and won’t have greasy fingers.
Try This #1: Broiled
If you simply must have a French fry, then make them at home in your oven. Use sweet potatoes, as these are a more complex carbohydrate. Cut into matchsticks, drizzle with a tablespoon of olive oil along with a dash of salt, then place in your oven on broil. Mix every 5 minutes until the fries are tender on the inside and crispy on the outside.
Do-Not-Eat #2: White Bread
White bread products have zero nutritional value and are quickly converted by your body into sugar. So you may as well eat a cupcake. Even breads that are technically wheat, but are as soft and smooth as white bread, should be avoided. Don’t be afraid to discard the bread from your sandwich or to push away that bread basket. Your waist will shrink and you’ll lose that bloated feeling that high carbohydrate meals give you.
Try This #2: Sprouted Grain Bread
If you must have bread, then stick with sprouted. Sprouted grain bread is a lot easier on your digestion and is packed full of nutrients. Two delicious brands are Food For Life’s Ezekiel bread, and Manna Organics. Sprouted grain breads are often kept in the freezer section since they don’t contain preservatives to prolong shelf life.
Do-Not-Eat #3: Creamy Salad Dressing
You were so good to order a salad, but then you ruined it by drenching the salad in fattening creamy dressing. Just a few tablespoons of creamy dressing contain more than 20 grams of fat and hundreds of calories.
Try This #3: Vinegar Dressing
Salad dressing is meant to lend flavor to the salad, not fat and calories. Vinegar-based dressings pack amazing flavor in with minimal fat and calories. You can even mix your own dressing at home. Take high quality vinegar, fresh lemon juice, salt and pepper, your choice of dried herbs, and a bit of olive oil.
Do-Not-Eat #4: White Rice
I’m sure by now you’ve heard that white rice isn’t always the best choice. The effect on your blood sugar will be similar to that of white bread. There are fewer vitamins and less fiber in white rice vs brown rice. Don’t get me wrong, white rice isn’t all that bad, but brown rice is a better choice.
Try This #4: Brown Rice
Brown rice has three times the amount of fiber, more B vitamins as well as other nutrients, won’t sky rocket your blood, and will keep you feeling fuller for longer. That should be enough to convince you to swap your large pile of white rice out for a small pile of brown rice.
Do-Not-Eat #5: White Sugar
Sugar and high fructose corn syrup are the epitome of anti-fitness food. Nothing will destroy your progress, expand your waist and plummet your energy levels like sugar will. If you only take away one do-not-eat food from this article please let it be sugar.
Try This #5: Fruit
Don’t turn to artificial sweeteners to get your sweet fix, instead turn to nature’s wholesome source of sugar: fruit. Eat organic fruit that is seasonal and locally grown. Stay away from dried fruit and fruit juices, as these are high in simple calories.
Eating right, along with challenging exercise, is the formula for a sexy lean body.
The way you combine these two is with a sustainable nutrition and exercise regimen and that is what we here at Iron Allies Fitness specialize in!
If you need any help at all, just reach out 🙂
Talk to you soon!
– Taylor, Team Iron Allies
P.S. Give us some feedback! Have you been liking this content? let us know! Thanks!
P.P.S. If you want to come join us for a FREE WEEK of our kick ass group personal training classes… CLICK HERE​!