I used to eat like crap all the time. I ate whatever was easiest to make or grab, whether it was fast food, a sandwich and chips, or the like. Not only did I eat terribly, but I also didn't know about portion control. I ate until I was full. Taylor and Ridge Fitness helped me start not only eating clean, whole, healthy foods, but taught me discipline and control when it comes to diet.

If you're looking for a change in routine and you want to become healthy for summer, or yourself, whatever your goals are, your nutrition must be in check. Cardio and lifting heavy won't get you far if you're eating gross, unhealthy food (I didn't know this at first). Feeding your body the correct foods will help you perform your best in the gym.

"You can't out-train sh***y eating," Taylor Selig says. "If you can't kill it or grow it, don't eat it."

Another important thing to note is that you don't have to cut out the simple groups of food your body is already used to. For example, if you start a new diet, fats don't need to be eliminated completely. In fact, "healthy fats" are crucial for heart health, in addition to many other perks. I might address fats later, but for now, I want you to learn all about food. Because as of last week, you should know by now that I love food.

Here's some of my favorite foods to eat while dieting that pack a ton of nutrition and fuel for your body.

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    Chicken Breast

    I use MyFitnessPal to track all that I'm eating and according to the app, 4oz of boneless, skinless chicken breast (that I grill) is only 120 calories with 36 grams of protein and 1.5 grams of fat. I compare this to my beloved peanut butter and jelly sandwich which has 327 calories with only 10 grams of protein and 14 grams of fat and 42 carbs. And you're not full after. Which is lame.

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    Egg Whites

    I fully stand by the statement that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. This is proven by how much energy I have after I eat and if it lasts me for the next few hours. I don't understand how some people don't eat breakfast. Y'all crazy. My favorite thing to make is an egg white omelette. I'll put 1/3 cup of egg whites in a frying pan and maybe throw in a pinch of shredded cheese or a slice of turkey on it for flavor and gobble it up. I used to not like egg whites so much, but when it contains only 45 calories and 9 grams of protein, it grew on me. Now I have them every day :)

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    Avocados

    Remember when we were talking about healthy fats? Avocados are your go-to for these. Avocados have a lot of great monounsaturated fats that not only fuel your body, but fuel it in the sense that it helps burn other fats. Weird, right? Here's why (from Bodybuilding.com): 

    Avocados also contain a very interesting carb called mannoheptulose, a sugar that actually blunts insulin release and enhances calcium absorption, both of which are critical for encouraging fat loss.

    A few slices a day is a great way to start that fat burning boost.

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    Whole Grains and Sweet Potatoes

    I decided to combine these too because they are both a form of complex carbohydrates. Complex (or maco) carbs will take longer to break down in your body, leaving you fuller for a longer period of time. Brown rice, oatmeal and sweet potatoes are three of my favorite examples. One cup of brown rice has 230 calories, only 4 grams of fat and 44 grams of carbs. Instant rice is also super easy to make if you're on a time crunch.

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