As you read this article we are well into fall. We are one of those throw back families and thus we have a large vegetable garden that is about done for 2009. For the most part we plant the vegetables because they taste better than the store bought and I can raise them without spraying a bunch of stuff on them.
 
The garden reminds me of a conversation I had today with a new client. It went like this, "are you currently taking medications or supplements?" "Yes- a beta blocker, an omega 3 and Glucosamine - but I don't know if that does any good as some studies show it doesn't and some do and maybe the study that does is done by the maker of the stuff." So true. One day you read that some juice is the answer to all your problems and the next day you read it does nothing.
 
In the 25 years I have been in this field I have come to the conclusion that there are certain foods which always have and always will serve as builders of health. Real food vs. supplements is the answer as the vitamins in foods are the most easily absorbed by your body. Following are foods that you can bet will charge your body. Remember to eat enough to power your activities and not more.

§  Wild Alaskan Salmon- this is one of the healthiest foods you can eat. It is full of good fat, omega 3s which help prevent heart disease, reduce inflammation and provide protein for muscle building/rebuilding. Choose wild as wild salmon eat wild smaller see creatures which are also high in omega 3 and you are what you eat. Farm raised salmon do not eat the same stuff.

§  Broccoli- don't you dare make up your kids/grandkids won't eat it. Try it raw, raw with a bit of low fat dip, or steamed with a little graded parmesan cheese. Don't kill it by covering it with a ton of melted processed cheese. Why eat it? Broccoli is full of cancer fighting agents, as well as fiber, potassium. Calcium, vitamin c and two agents which prevent eye disease.

§   Spinach- it helped Popeye and it will help you. It's loaded with vitamins, especially K which is critical for building strong bones. It is a good alternative source of calcium for those who can't drink milk.

§  Yogurt- many experts believe that a major source of health begins in your gut which is the sight of digestion and absorption of nutrients and is a huge part of your body's immune system. Yogurt is full of the good bacteria which balances the bad bacteria and strengthens your immune system. When buying yogurt look for the LAC seal or Live and Active Cultures. Not all yogurt, especially the desert, kind contains the original helpful stuff. In our house we look for the label and also choose those low in sugar. We buy a big container of plain yogurt and a container of flavored and then mix a little flavored in. Again- watch it as some brands have more sugar than ice cream.

 

In addition to the above you can't go wrong with skinless chicken breast, occasional very lean beef, and all the raw fruit and vegetables you care to eat.
 
I'll be here to assist you in developing a fitness program and a nutrition plan to meet your fitness goals. Used the attached Coupon to get it going.