Good calories and bad calories

Making a commitment to have healthier eating habits is a tough one. Knowing how to implement that commitment may be even harder.

Where do we start? What foods should we eat, and which ones should we stay away from? Answering some of these questions can make your trip to the grocery store not only easier but also more pleasant.

We all need nutrients to survive. We need vitamins, minerals and calories everyday. There are two types of nutrients:

Micronutrients : our vitamins and minerals

Macronutrients: fat, carbohydrates and proteins ( where our calories come from)

Many people think that all fats are bad and recently started thinking all carbohydrates are bad too. That would leave us just with protein. If this were the case, our diets wouldn't be very enjoyable. Fortunately not all fats are bad and the same goes for carbohydrates.

With all the negative publicity and so many low carb diets, you might be reluctant to eat carbohydrates.

Yet, carbohydrates are our main fuel source. Our brain can't use anything else to power itself with and our muscles will work the best on it. Don't deprive yourself of it.

Carbohydrates that you should avoid on a regular basis are simple sugars that are found in candy, sodas and many snacks also known as refined sugars.

Good carbohydrates such as whole wheat products ( think Oats, Quinoa, etc.) and fruits will keep you energized throughout the day and avoid sugar highs and lows.

Fats are also very important. Without fat, our body wouldn't be able to utilize some of the vitamins we consume. Fat is found in our cell walls and makes up a big part of hormones.

Fats you should avoid eating regularly and high quantities are saturated fats like the ones that come in meat, milk and dairy products.

Everyone should consume good (unsaturated fats) that come from plant sources such as nuts and olives.

The key to a healthy living is balance, keep that in mind when choosing your food!