Are you one of the thousands of people out there wondering what 
the real secrets of eating right are?  With so many fad diets 
and gimmicks available on the TV and in the media today, it's 
hard to sort out fact from fiction. 

You can choose a diet geared toward weight loss that is simple 
and easy to follow, and you don't have to spend hundreds of 
dollars on supplements to do it.  

How do you know how to eat smart?


FOOD COMBINING

I'm not talking about complex strategies of mixing A foods with 
B foods here.  What you really need to focus on to lose weight 
in ensuring that you always combine protein, carbohydrates and 
fats during meals.  

No matter what meal you are eating, it is important that you 
eat a small portion of protein, fat and carbohydrate at each 
sitting.  If you eat a meal that is simply one or the other, 
such as a plate of pasta with no protein, you are only partially 
supplying your body with the nutrients it needs to function.  
You are also only partially fueling your metabolism, which needs 
proper fuel in order to burn fat.  

If you are consistently feeling sluggish and lackluster during 
the day, consider adjusting your dietary intake and ensure that 
you are consuming at least one food that contains each of these 
important nutrients.


THE IMPORTANCE OF WATER

Believe it or not, drinking more water will help you lose 
weight. Most people walk around in a state of semi-dehydration. 
In fact, if you feel thirsty chances are you are not drinking 
enough water.  Your body needs water to flush out toxins and 
process fats.   Drink too little water and your body will be 
'tricked' into thinking its hungry too, and you're likely to 
eat more than you would if you were properly hydrated. 

If you're not drinking 8 10 oz glasses of water every day, 
you're not drinking enough and you may be sabotaging your 
weight loss.  Remember that your body is partially made up 
of water, and it needs water to function efficiently and 
burn calories. 


TAKE YOUR VITAMINS

Vitamins and minerals are important to healthy metabolic 
functioning.  Vitamin C and the B vitamins also help your 
metabolism function effectively and efficiently.  Consider 
supplementing if you are not getting an adequate supply in 
your diet.  Studies also suggest that intense stress and 
environmental pollutants may negatively impact your energy 
level, inhibiting your ability to workout efficiently.  The 
B vitamins in particular are well known for combating stress 
and providing energy. 


EAT SMART

I can't emphasize enough the importance of eating clean.  The 
best thing you can do to lose weight and keep your metabolism 
running efficiently is to eat several small meals per day.  By 
eating five to six smaller but highly nutritious meals every 
day, you'll provide your body with an ongoing supply of 
essential nutrients and energy.  Your metabolism will be 
constantly at work, burning calories and fat.  You need to 
eat often because your body also requires constant energy 
during the day.  

Also remember to avoid processed foods and high sugar products 
throughout the day.  By simply cutting out excess sugars and 
avoiding the bread basket at dinner, you'll shed pounds more 
efficiently and swiftly.  

Losing weight doesn't have to be a challenge, for the most part 
it is common sense.  Eat clean, eat smart and lose weight!