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Healthy Habits
Resolutions for the New Year
By Suzy Feine
A fourth, highly-essential concept is ensuring proper nutrition. A lifetime nutritional philosophy, focusing on the consumption of nutrient-dense, unprocessed foods and vita-nutrient supplementation is the cornerstone to a healthy diet. High carbohydrate, low-fat meals tend to be less satisfying than those containing adequate fat levels. People can get off this insulin-generating roller coaster by eating a diet more balanced between complex carbohydrates, fats and proteins.
An adequate intake of protein (for building muscles) and complex carbohydrates and fat (for fuel) is essential for optimal performance. In addition to these macronutrients, specific micronutrients are also required by the body to burn fuel efficiently. These include acetyl-L-carnitine, the B complex vitamins, coenzyme Q-10 and magnesium.
Despite the many benefits of exercise, it does produce a detrimental byproduct in the form of free radicals. These highly reactive molecules cause damage to body tissues. The best way to protect against this "oxidative damage" is by increasing your intake of antioxidants, such as vitamins C, E, B2, B6, lutein and coenzyme Q10. These substances are present in a diet rich in fruits and vegetables or can be obtained through a high-quality antioxidant supplement.