From Sluggish To Energetic: How Eating Veggies Becomes Fun

Do you remember the days when you woke up with a smile, ready to face the day? How often do you feel sluggish instead of energized in the mornings? How often do you think to yourself, “I want to feel strong and refreshed. Something has to change.”

Hi, I’m Nathan Simmers! I’m a nutrition and fitness coach specializing in helping older adults grow and rebuild their health and strength!

When I coach people, I often see their nutritional health left by the wayside when times get tough. They go back to old habits and comfortable ways of life when things get hard. What inspired me to coach was asking myself, “How can I serve these people to gain the best version of themselves?”

In a survey we ran about common issues people encounter as they age, MOST participants listed poor immune systems and metabolism problems. As I studied the nutrition behind these issues, I discovered it’s because we eat the WRONG amount of vegetables. "In all, the most important components of a healthy eating pattern include high intakes of vegetable and low intake of processed meats and poultry, sugar-sweetened beverages (e.g. sodas and teas), and refined grains (e.g. snack cakes, and chips)." (Muth 56)

When people create diets, they often throw ingredients together and hope things work out. They take inspiration from TV cooking channels or their friend’s diet plans for their meals. But people often forgot to consider that you need a WIDE VARIETY of colors in your vegetables for a broad range of nutrients.

For example, when people have low iron, some only eat broccoli when they also need beans, spinach, and beets. These vegetables provide the range of nutrients you need to function without feeling sluggish. As you dedicate yourself to these diets, you’ll begin to see your best self was just a choice away!

How You Can Eat Tasty Food Without Compromising on Your Health

I’ve encountered people who want to lose weight throughout my career, but more importantly, they want to eat healthier. Most people are in a hurry today, jumping from task to task. Before I started my own diet, microwave dinners and fast food got me through the busy times... but they slowly destroyed my health.

When I started my diet, I dedicated myself to “eat the rainbow.” I chose to eat meals that gave me energy rather than making me feel sluggish. When I think back, I wouldn’t imagine eating the healthy foods I do today. That’s why it’s important to take baby steps when you begin your diet.

Get Creative With Your Veggies

When you begin to cook vegetables, you want to use one to two fists to measure your portions for each meal. Veggies have fewer calories than fats or carbs, so you can fill your stomach up every meal and be energized for the day.

Let me show you the Fist-Sized Vegetable Calculator Method to give you accurate results for every meal.

Prepare Before You’re Busy

When you start, you have to prepare before you get busy in your day. Otherwise, you run out of time and make the convenient, unhealthy choice. When you cook, make MORE than you need on that day, so you can create multiple meals and save time.

When you cook, set aside the ingredients and spices you’ll need to create dishes that help your metabolism and body function. As you do this, you’ll reduce your stress of time and improve your peace and feel empowered.

Add Variety In Your Veggies

When you plan your meals, remember to “eat the rainbow.” Throw in some red peppers, beets, broccoli, or carrots. The more variety of vegetables you have, the better your body will function and make you feel refreshed!

Many people don’t like to cook complicated meals. If you’re one of them, that’s okay! You can go and buy a bag of frozen vegetables, measure them with your fist, and throw them in a skillet. They will provide you the nutrients you need without any of the disadvantages.

Spice Up Your Life

I started my diet by making simple salads. After a while, I became curious about what else I could do to make healthy and delicious meals. Adding some oregano, parsley, garlic powder, and others helped transition to living a healthy life without sacrificing flavor. If you don’t have culinary skills yet, I recommend you start with smoothies. By using your fist to measure, you can throw together some protein powder, coconut cream, beets, spinach, and other nutrients. This way you’ll give yourself a wholesome and healthy meal in one cup. When I’m on the run, this is my go-to for convenient nutrition.

What’s Holding You Back?

So… What’s stopping you? Statistically, 10% of people who lose weight KEEP IT OFF! That’s 1 out of 10 people! When I heard this, I swore that I would be that 10% and not gain my weight back.

Through education, hard work, and patience you can achieve the results you want in your health too. There are no get-rich-quick schemes here, but with dedication, YOU CAN accomplish anything you set your mind to!

If you’re ready, let’s get started! Let me share my nutritional knowledge with you and give you a straightforward method to living with excitement and energy again.

If you want to know your portion sizes for vegetables with a specialized calculator to achieve high-quality Practical Nutrition and Fitness results. - Click here to get our FREE nutrition report!

Disclaimer: The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Sources

Muth, Natalie Digate, and Mary Saph Tanaka. “Principles of Nutrition for the Health and Fitness Professional.” Ace Fitness Nutrition Manual, American Council on Exercise, San Diego, CA, 2013, p. 56. (Date accessed May 17, 2022)