Healthier Eating

Recently I’ve noticed that my general eating habits have really gone downhill. I either eat way less than I am supposed to, nothing but junk or lots and lots of food.

Also, I really don’t exercise at all, but I dislike going outside and can’t afford to buy expensive stuff or go swimming all the time (though sometimes I might be able to do this).

Can someone help me figure out an example healthy eating plan and exercise plan to help me out? It’s not so much to lose weight as get healthier physically. Once I get used to it it should become easier. Here are some points about me:

- I am 14 years old, 5′1", usually between 49-52kg in weight
- Female
- Vegetarian
- Orthodontic braces, so very hard or chewy foods are a no
- I don’t mind cooking, but I need something quick for rush days and breakfast before school, like a smoothie
- Not picky with food at all, but picky about vegetables that are flavourless, so simple sauces and marinades will be better
- I love tofu and dairy
- Trying to stick to low-fat foods
- I have terrible endurance
- I don’t have a bicycle
- Don’t particularly like walking
- Don’t mind aerobics plans, as long as there’s a video you can recommend!
- I would like to have some numbers (e.g. how many sit ups and how many times daily, if possible)

Something based on these points would be amazing ^_^ If you could find a website and some recipes, that’d be very helpful : )

For exercise: I recommend Pilates. You can buy a dvd and do it at home. It uses stretch & strength and improves your balance. At first it was hard for me but after a week of doing it, it became much easier. I now do it every morning and I can feel my stomach is hard, my legs are stronger & arms are in better shape. I bought Pilates for beginners dvd at Walmart. Made by Element.

For diet: the best thing is to cut out white sugar, white flour & white rice. That’s the easiest thing to remember to do. Also try to balance your protein & veggies out and it should make you feel full longer. If you get hungry, have a piece of fruit rather than binging on any sugary products. Nuts are a good snack too.

Try to eat whole foods rather than overly-processed foods as they often contain bad ingredients like high fructose corn syrup & transfat.

When I was a vegetarian and needed something quick on the go, I would eat a soy hotdog or veggie burger (no bun). For breakfast you could have plain yogurt – or yogurt with fruit in it and whole grain granola. I also have a yummy smoothie I like to make, here’s the recipe:

Handful of frozen strawberries
one scoop of raspberry sorbet
Enough orange juice to make it liquidy like a smoothie
some silken tofu or 1 scoop soy protein powder

Blend in a blender until smooth. I’m guessing on the quantities, I just kind of wing it.

Just remember that if you eat a lot of sugar & carbs, you will crave more of it so try to cut back on those. Hope this info helps.

Technorati Tags: exercise and healthy eating

Tags: exercise and healthy eating