How To Fail At Nutrition

In a 12 year competitive swimming career, I encountered several meetings with nutritionists, weight trainers and coaches alike. Now three years out of the pool, what I've learned growing up has stuck with me. Between practicing healthy eating for competition or just keeping fit for daily life, you don't need a nutritionist, just a understanding the basics of nutrition. Based on what I've learned, I've decided to compile a 'how to', in reverse. Here's my take- how to fail at nutrition.
At the grocery store:
1. Shop unpreparedHeading to the grocery store listless can be a horrible mistake. Pair it up with running on errands on an empty stomach, and your trip can be seriously hazards to your health. Be empowered, and shop on a mission! The grocery store is the most vital stop to managing your waist line. Know what you're going for, be it recipes already in mind, or a list of what's missing from the pantry.
2. Forget the labelsI'm no nutritionist, but knowing the basics on the back of packaging is easy and important! Make sure the serving size number matches up with what your normal serving is, and that you're not spending your precious calorie dollars all in one place.
3. Pass up on all produceFresh produce can get pricey, but that doesn't mean you should skip it all together. Fruit and veggies come in a variety of different options, most of which keep longer in your fridge and put your wallet at ease. Make the best out of the frozen food section and canned fruits and veggies as well.
4. Go blindDon't mindlessly throw food into your cart. A trip to the grocery store should be uninterrupted and thought out. Understanding the point behind what you're purchasing makes you connect and own up to what you're putting in your body. Create a mental picture of your fridge and usual dinners and focus on what's missing.
At home:
1. Be blandKeeping up with the best nutrition requires creativity. Cut calories with olive oil in a spray bottle, substitute pasta and potatoes with cauliflower or tofu noodles. Keep up with food blogs, helpful nutrition magazines and healthy sites that promote healthy eating. Being creative will also help you get past some foods you're not so keen of. If you aren't a big produce person, look for ways you can camouflage fruits and vegetables into your diet.
2. Skip breakfastIt's called the most important meal of the day for a reason! If you're normally not quite a morning person, pre-pack your morning start. No matter what, eat up! Breakfast helps keep your metabolism in check for the rest of the day.
3. Portions SchmortionsMeal time isn't an excuse for a buffet. Be mindful of your portions- no eating out of a box or bag, but plating even snacks to control your intake. Also practice eating slowly; this will give your food a better chance to digest while you eat instead of hitting a sudden overly full feeling.
4. Snack constantlyJust because you're eating well doesn't mean you can eat all the time. Eat when you're hungry but don't let boredom or emotions get to you. Keeping your kitchen out of site may be helpful, and so will having a glass of water if a snack attack comes calling.
5. Skip meals when possiblePracticing regular eating habits is important to keeping up with good nutrition. Let your body get use to regular feeding times that revolve around when you feel hungry. Keeping on a regular pace keeps your metabolism in check and prevents you from crashing or going on a food splurge.
Mastering eating well is a difficult feat, but a little creativity and attention can go a long way. From bringing home healthy goods, to learning how to eat properly at home, healthy nutrition can be accomplished with a little attention and know how.n