5 Celebrity trainer’s rules for optimal nutrition

Celebrity trainer’s rules for optimal nutrition

Known for his work with A-list models and actresses like Heidi Klum, Kate Upton, Liv Tyler and Anne Hathaway, celebrity trainer David Kirsch shares his own story of balancing fatherhood with fitness, and gives his expert advice on how to work out and eat well with the whole family in his latest book, Ultimate Family Wellness.

Recognising that it can be a challenge to stay on track with health and well-being when you are juggling family demands, to make things a little simpler David shares his top five rules to try to stick to, for optimal nutrition.

Rule 1: No alcohol

When you are on a wellness plan to get fit and healthy, this includes all alcohol.

Even though a very occasional glass or two can be a treat once you've achieved your fitness goals and are in maintenance mode, there is almost no nutritional benefit to the calories consumed by drinking alcohol. During a wellness program there is no room for hangovers. You need to be fresh, focused and on top of your game to achieve the desired results.

Rule 2: No highly processed or refined foods

I'm not saying carbohydrates are bad, but it's the highly processed, refined carbs stripped of nutrients and dietary fibre that leave you with just simple sugars that I'm against.

Practically every aisle in the grocery store overflows with packaged foods. It's easy to fall for the seemingly healthy boxes of organic refined carbs such as gluten-free crackers, but they are in fact packed with refined carbohydrates which fail to give your body the right nutrition and also cause weight gain through overeating.

Rule 3: No added sugars or artificial sweeteners

They might make foods taste better, but added sugars equal unnecessary calories.

There are no proteins, essential fats, vitamins, or minerals in sugar. That said, fruits have incredible health benefits and naturally contain sugar and, who doesn't love a refreshing bowl of organic berries? But minimize all other sweeteners in your diet such as table sugar, honey, maple syrup, agave and corn syrup and avoid artificial sweeteners.

Rule 4: Eat lean and clean proteins

Proteins are essential for building and repairing cells and creating new muscle.

I am often asked, what is the best form of protein? I am a big advocate of eating animals that swim and fly. Wild salmon, brook trout, turkey, chicken, and eggs are some of my favourite sources.

If you are a vegetarian choose from tofu, tempeh, and seitan. Regardless of which diet you follow, you need protein.

Rule 5: Eat more fibre and dark leafy green vegetables

Spinach, broccoli, kale, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower help keep your digestive tract moving, keeping you regular, and prevent bloating.

"Greens are the number one food you can eat regularly to help improve your health," says Jill Nussinow, M.S., R.D., a culinary educator in Northern California. That's because leafy vegetables are brimming with fibre, vitamins and minerals and, may help protect you from heart disease, diabetes, and perhaps even cancer. Additionally, they are low in calories and a versatile, delicious and nutritious part of your daily nutrition regimen.

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Author: AFP - Relax News

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