Keeping energy levels balanced throughout the day is critical to maintaining a healthy weight and leading an active lifestyle…and who better to share her tips than soccer star and mom of three, Mia Hamm! Mia shares her secrets for including bread and other grain foods in her diet, which are among the best sources of complex carbohydrates the body needs for fuel.
- Build a perfect plate. Following the recommendations set forth by MyPlate ensures you’ll get the many nutrients your body needs to stay healthy. By choosing a variety of foods and filling about a quarter of your plate with grains at each meal, you’re setting yourself up for success to stay alert and active throughout the day.
- Eat every 4-6 hours to maintain your energy level. Eating regularly keeps your metabolism in check, and prevents you from getting too hungry and then overeating. At meals and snacks, be sure to go for a combination of carbs, protein and some fat. The carbs will give you a burst of energy to beat any afternoon slump and the protein and fat will help you stay satisfied in the hours to come.
- Be a role model. Whether you know it or not, your children’s eating habits develop based on behaviors they see at home..so set a good example! Put them on the right track by involving them in the kitchen to help them learn early on about the importance of proper nutrition.
- Water, water, and more water! Water helps your body process nutrients and is necessary for the absorption of certain vitamins, like the B vitamins found in grains. It also enriches your skin and can help regulate your appetite. And, did you know hunger and thirst are two sensations that are often confused? So, next time you’re feeling famished, try a glass of water first!
- Getting at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day is essential – and easy!
- Climb the stairs instead of taking the elevator at work
- Instead of getting together with a friend to sit and talk over coffee, fill your to-go mug and hit the pavement to walk and talk
- Split it up! If you’re feeling pressed for time, schedule a 15 minute walk at lunch and another when you get home
- If you take public transportation, get off a stop early and walk the rest
- Exercise doesn’t have to mean hitting the gym! Activities such as gardening, cleaning or washing cars are also good forms of exercise