FOR the next four weeks we’re going to have fun with food – not any old food but the right healthy food that will help the inches dissolve! We know that the Slimpod helps you automatically make healthier choices (because we’re all *supposed* to have learned how to eat healthily).

But I think there’s a lot of confusion these days about what is healthy food and what is not. For example, processed “low fat” food is generally packed with sugar and is categorically NOT good for helping you lose weight successfully.

Choosing the right healthy food is actually really easy and we’re going to have some fun with it – starting this week.

First, here’s some vital information about “real” food and the function is plays.  This is going to form the basis of our four-week challenge which I’ll tell you about later.

Foods that give us energy are fats, protein and carbohydrates.

They’re actually called macronutrients, which you may have heard of. This healthy food has a vital role in keeping you slim, healthy and energised.

Healthy food: fats

The right fats are important for many reasons:

Healthy skin, hair and nails;

Production of important hormones;

Protecting your organs;

Providing you with energy.

There are three types of fats: Saturated, Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated and they all have a purpose and a place in your everyday diet.

Saturated fats have had a bad reputation in the past but a lot of that information has changed now and butter, milk, cream, eggs and coconut oil have been given the healthy gold star!

Monounsaturated fats are found in extra virgin olive oil, avocados and nuts.

Polyunsaturated fats are found in oily fish like salmon and mackerel. These contain Omega 3 fatty acids and are an essential part of your diet. Fish should be eaten at least twice a week.

As a general rule of thumb, the “bad fats” are those which are found in pastries and fast food and those which are hidden in processed food. 

Healthy food: carbohydrates

So many people cut down or cut out carbs when on a diet. In fact, they’re usually the first to go! Carbs are so important for:

Healthy brain function;

Proper functioning of the central nervous system, digestion, kidneys and muscles;

Main source of energy when exercising.

Carbohydrates don’t actually make you fat UNLESS you eat too much of them.  If you’re eating more than your body needs for fuel purposes then you won’t lose weight. 

It’s all about moderation and control, which is where most people fall down.  However, this is where the Slimpod comes in – to help you be in control and eat less, effortlessly.

Healthy food: protein

We should aim to eat protein for every meal if possible as it’s hugely important for:

Strengthening your immune system;

Regulating your metabolism;

Production of vital hormones;

Structure and strength of cells in the body.

The best protein sources are eggs, chicken, fish and beef. This is because they contain all the essential amino acids required by the body.

A lot of nutritionists now recommend whey protein powder because it’s easy to mix into pancakes, porridge and snacks.

Obviously it’s a given that fruit and vegetables are good for you and should be part of your everyday diet.

So there’s some of the basics about healthy food.  Let’s get ready for the fun!

Over the next two days I’d love you to give some thought to what you eat every day.

Are you eating the RIGHT food? 

What’s the balance like?

Do you eat too many carbs and not enough protein? 

What sort of fats are you eating?

Would love your feedback on healthy food and we’ll chat more about it in Slimpod Club on Wednesday evening (May 18, 8pm BST). 

Then we’ll kick off a group challenge and have some fun with food!