by Jonathan Sadler

Created on: May 20, 2009   Last Updated: May 29, 2009

Many of us cringe at the word DIET, and rightfully so. By it's definition the word suggests limitations. Diets suggests things to avoid. As humans, we are less than enthused by the "do not" aspects of life. I'm here to tell you what "to do." Following are five simple steps will help you ensure that you are eating healthy and doing your body good. It's simple and easy.

1. EAT BREAKFAST: Yes, that is right. EAT. This isn't a diet, I won't tell you what not to do and what not to eat. When you rise in the morning your metabolism is just as groggy and tired as the rest of you. We need to fire up the furnace. You see, our metabolism burns calories around the clock, every second of every day, even when we sleep. Your body burns calories just to maintian involuntary actions such as breathing and the beating of the heart muscle. The furnace slows at night and is at rock bottom first thing in the morning. A quick and easy breakfast that incorporates some lean protein and good carbs is the perfect fuel for the furnace. Also, when you skip breakfast you set yourself up for an energy crash in mid morning. Typically, when you crash you seek out the nearest vending machine for some sweet or salty snack. This creates a downward spiral....a quick lift followed by a quicker crash. Having a breakfast incorporating protein and good carbs solves that, evens out your blood sugar and keeps you feeling full longer.

2. DRINK THE CLEAR STUFF. Drink water and start drinking first thing in the morning. Wake up, stumble to the sink and fill a glass with water. Your body has been burning calories all night keeping you alive and well and it's thirsty. Give it it's fill. Drink it throughout the day. Cold water burns more calories than luke warm water. The body generates and burns calories in an effort to raise it's temperature. Drink 6 to 8 glasses per day.

3. Eat six small meals. Gone are the days of three square meals. Three meals per day causes us to get hungry, start our crash and eat as much as we can as quickly as possible. By spreading your meals out so that you are having intake every two to three hours, you keep your body's metabolism cranking along at a regular burn rather than peaks and valleys. Your mind will think you are eating more, but your waistband will tell you otherwise.

4. Incorporate protein into each of your six meals. Your body burns more calories digesting protein than it does with either carbs or fat. Proten also builds muscle. The body burns more carolies statically to keep muscle in good working order than it does fat.

5. Incorporate calcium. Calcium is a key nutrient to many systems throughout the body and has been clinically show to aid in weight loss. Right after your glass of water first thing in the morning, follow up with a bit of skim milk You'll get a shot of Vitamin D and Calcium.

Follow these simple tips consistently and you will notice a gradual but consistent weight loss. You'll also notice how much better you feel by way of proper nutrition and your bodies adjustment to steady bloodsugar regulation. Good luck, eat well.

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