March is National Nutrition Month. Most of us know what we are doing wrong, or what we could change in our diet and lifestyles, but for many of us it is hard to find the right thing; something that suits us, that we enjoy and can sustain every day, for life.

Why is nutrition so important?

Nutrition isn’t just about eating, or feeling hungry, or wanting food. Nutrition is a basic need for fuel. Feeling hungry is your physical equivalent to the red light on your fuel tank telling you you’re running low. What your body is telling you is not that you need cookies or chips, but that you need energy to fuel your cells, help your body (including your brain) function, to heal and to grow. We eat not because we like food (although that is a good excuse!); we eat primarily to get the essential nutrients that our bodies need to live.

Carbohydrates, Fats and Protein

Carbohydrates are a great instant source of energy or your body. Sugar and starch are easiest for your body to digest, which is why, when we are hungry we often reach for the sweet stuff.

If you don’t get enough carbohydrate your body converts proteins into glucose, and if you get too much carbohydrate, your body turns it into at and stores it.

HINT: If you are hungry and need a quick energy fix, stay away from the junk and opt for a banana or a handful of nuts; both offer high energy and ‘good’ fats.

Protein that you eat is ingested and broken down into amino acids. These are used to build and repair cells in different parts of your body. Muscles contain high protein levels that need to be continuously replaced through food that you eat. Protein is also needed for immune support, nervous system, hormones and organ function.

HINT: Try to include a small (fist-sized) portion of protein in each meal to ensure that you get enough protein to build, heal and grow.

Fat isn’t always the enemy. Good, natural, unsaturated fat is essential for brain health, cell structure, energy storage, hormone production, insulation and for storing a number of vitamins in the body.

HINT: Don’t treat all fat as the enemy. Unsaturated fat is essential for healthy cellular function. Try to make sure that the majority of your fat is from plant based sources, such as olive oil, nuts and seeds. Avoid eating red meat more than twice a week.

At Weight Loss Mexico our range of weight loss surgery packages include advice and support from a nutritionist. If you have weight loss surgery, such as gastric sleeve plication surgery or gastric bypass surgery, you won’t be alone in making diet and nutrition decisions. Your nutritionist will help you to find an eating plan that works for you and our regular recipes and blog will offer you the on-going support that makes all the difference between success and failure.

This National Nutrition Month, don’t just try to eat less fat for a month. Make a decision to change your life, for good. By contacting us you will make the first step in the right direction for a new, healthier, happier you. Contact us today to find out the best low cost weight loss surgery package for you.