Author - Charlie Gutierrez

Carbs are not your enemy
Carbs are not your enemy
27Jan-23

Carbs are not your enemy – Discover the benefits of carbs!

 

It’s time to debunk the myth that carbs are your enemy! Not all carbs are created equal, and knowing which ones to avoid and which ones to embrace is key to maintaining a healthy diet. In this blog post, we’ll be taking a look at the difference between good carbs and bad carbs and how to tell the two apart. With the right information, you can make sure that you’re getting the most out of your carbohydrates without compromising your health.

Complex Carbs vs. Simple Carbs

 

Carbohydrates are one of the most important macronutrients in our diets, yet they often get a bad reputation. Carbs are not your enemy! It is important to understand the difference between complex and simple carbs and how they can help to fuel your body. Complex carbohydrates are made up of several sugars linked together in a chain. They take longer to break down and digest, giving you a steady supply of energy over a period of time. Complex carbs are found in whole grains, legumes, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds. Complex carbs provide dietary fiber, essential vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals that have protective health benefits. Eating healthy carbs like these can help maintain blood sugar levels, lower cholesterol, and support healthy gut bacteria. Simple carbohydrates, on the other hand, are smaller molecules of sugar and are quickly broken down into glucose for energy. Simple carbs are found in processed foods, candy, and soda. While simple carbs can offer a quick burst of energy, they can cause spikes and dips in blood sugar levels. Eating too many simple carbs can also lead to weight gain and increase the risk of type 2 diabetes. By understanding the difference between complex and simple carbohydrates, you can make informed decisions about what types of carbs to include in your diet. Eating complex carbs with meals and snacks can help you feel fuller for longer and give you sustained energy throughout the day.

The Difference Between Natural and Processed Carbs

 

When it comes to choosing the healthiest carbs for your diet, it’s important to understand the difference between natural and processed carbs. Natural carbs are whole-food sources of carbohydrates, such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, and grains that have not been processed or refined. These healthy carbs provide essential vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation, boost the immune system, and lower the risk of chronic diseases. On the other hand, processed carbs are usually stripped of most of their nutrients and added with sugar, salt, and/or preservatives. These types of carbs are quickly absorbed into the bloodstream and can lead to spikes in blood sugar levels. Examples of processed carbs include white bread, pastries, sugary cereals, cookies, and chips. It’s best to avoid these types of carbs if you want to stay healthy. The bottom line is that when it comes to healthy carbs, natural sources should always be prioritized over processed versions. Eating a variety of nutrient-dense whole foods is the key to nourishing your body and promoting optimal health.
6Jan-22

Counting Calories: A Comedy of Culinary Confusion

To count or not to count, that is the question – whether ’tis nobler in the gut to suffer the pangs of hunger or to take arms against a sea of snacks and by opposing, eat them! Okay, maybe that’s a bit cheesy, but today’s blog is all about the calorie conundrum. What are these sneaky little units of energy, and do we really need to keep tabs on them?

What Are Calories, Anyway?

Calories are the little energy nuggets we get from most of the foods and drinks we consume. They’re like the fuel for our bodily engines, keeping us revved up for:

  1. Focus
  2. Exercise
  3. Digestion

We need these calories to survive and thrive. But how many do we really need? Well, that depends on your health goals, which, let’s face it, can change more frequently than your Netflix password.

  • Weight loss
  • Muscle gain
  • Sports performance
  • Pregnancy
  • Dealing with those pesky medical conditions

Calories come in all shapes and sizes, mostly in the form of protein, carbs, and fats – these are your “macros.” Think of them as the rockstars of the nutritional world.

Meet the Nutritional Rockstars: Macronutrients

Protein: These guys are like the construction workers of your body, tirelessly building and repairing tissue, from muscles to organs.

Carbohydrates: They’re like your body’s favorite energy source. They’re the power plant that keeps the lights on, and by lights, I mean your ability to binge-watch Netflix for hours.

Fats: These are the backstage managers, handling hormone secretion and regulation, making sure all the nutrients get where they need to be.

Now, if you go too long without enough of any of these, you’re in for a world of trouble: low energy, tummy turmoil, muscle meltdown, hormonal havoc, immune system sabotage, and the list goes on. Basically, it’s a nutritional horror show.

Do We Really Need to Count Calories?

Well, here’s the thing, unless you’re training for the Olympics or on a mission to sculpt yourself into the next superhero, counting calories may not be your jam.

*If you do find yourself in the calorie-counting club, just remember the golden rule: stay within your caloric budget.

Leading a balanced life isn’t as hard as rocket science. You don’t need a degree in nutritionomics. The secret is portion control and using this as a guide.

Follow these magical servings for each food group on the daily:

  1. Protein: 5 ½ ounces of lean meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, nuts, and seeds. You know, the good stuff.
  2. Grains: 6 ounces of the stuff that gives you carbs to keep you rolling.
  3. Dairy: 3 cups (24 ounces) of low-fat milk, fat-free milk, or yogurt. Say no to saturated fat!
  4. Fruits: 2 cups (16 ounces) of nature’s candy.
  5. Vegetables: 2.5 cups (20 ounces) of a colorful garden party for your taste buds.

Now, I get it, this might still sound confusing, and you’ve probably got more questions than answers. But fear not, I’m here to untangle the web of foodie confusion and help you navigate your culinary adventure.
7Oct-21

The Diet Killer 🔪

Are you tired of those trendy diets that promise to transform you into a supermodel but end up making you feel like you’re missing out on all the good stuff? Well, it’s time to bid adieu to the wild rollercoaster of pain and suffering because we’ve got a secret recipe for success that’ll keep you feeling fabulous all year round.

Now, I bet you’re curious, right? What’s this magical potion? It’s not a potion at all, my friends. It’s all about living a balanced life!

  1. Portion Control: The “Balance by Hand” Trick Who doesn’t love those epic “cheat days” or holiday feasts? We’ve got your secret weapon – it’s all about portion control. Imagine balancing your plate like a pro tightrope walker. Not too much, not too little. Perfectly balanced for guilt-free indulgence.
  2. Eating In Color: Delicious, Nutritious, and Quick! Yes, you heard it right! You can have it all – scrumptious, wholesome, and speedy meals that won’t have you sacrificing your taste buds. Foodie Fit Las Vegas is your culinary wizard in this department!

But what on Earth is this “Eating In Color” thing, you ask? Well, it’s the antidote to being that person at social gatherings who only orders salads with dressing on the side and grilled chicken. We’re here to make sure you’re not that guy or gal!

Eating In Color is a meal plan masterpiece designed to blend “Healthy” and “Happy” into one glorious harmony. Say goodbye to diets that suck the joy out of your life. With Eating In Color, you can savor your favorite foods while following a simple plan. Just pick from our calorie packages (1500 or 2000) and choose one of the three meal plans in your package. How to pick the right one? Easy peasy! Visit our website or drop by either of our locations in sunny Las Vegas – Foodie Fit Green Valley or Foodie Fit Summerlin.

Choosing Your Perfect Package: Click HERE to View E.I.C PDF

With Eat In Color, there are many ways to paint your health masterpiece, but let’s keep it simple. If your eating habits are all over the place and you’re best friends with junk food, start with the 1500-calorie package for 3 days. Pay attention to your hunger and energy levels during this phase. If you’re as hungry as a bear and as sluggish as a sloth, it’s time to level up to the 2000-calorie package.

For you busy bees who are constantly on the move, and think you eat pretty well, kick off with the 1500-calorie package for 3 days. The only twist is to go for the meal plan with larger portions. You need that extra energy to keep you going through those long gaps between meals. If you’re still feeling peckish and foggy, switch to the 2000-calorie package.

Stick to your package and meal plan for 3 days. During this phase, tune in to your hunger and focus. If your rumbling tummy is your only companion, and you can’t focus for more than 3 seconds, it’s time to level up to the 2,000-calorie package with a similar meal plan.

The Grand Finale:

Once you’ve found the package that makes you feel like a rockstar, stick with it for the next 30 days. Pay attention to your hunger, energy levels, ability to concentrate, and your capacity to rest and rejuvenate. Keep a daily watchful eye on these aspects.

If anything feels off, listen to your body – it’s telling you, “You need more food!” The key to success is consistency in your eating habits, which will help build a strong mind-body connection.

Holiday Tip: Survive The Season Of Eating

Got a secret stash of candy in your room? Are leftovers from Thanksgiving still lurking in your fridge? No need to panic! You can incorporate them into your Eat In Color meal plan. Here’s the magic trick:

  • Sweets & Pastries = SNACK: Swap your Foodie Fit snacks for a holiday treat. But limit yourself to just 2 per day.
  • Holiday Meal = 1 MEAL: Replace one of your Foodie Fit meals with a holiday feast. Again, keep it in check at 2 per day.

Remember, folks, stay happy and healthy because that’s what it’s all about for us Foodies! 😄🍏🍔🍝