Healthy eating is the key to success when you are trying to heal your body or obtain or maintain a weight that is appropriate for you.

Eating well is difficult in our American society because we are constantly bombarded by foods that are not healthy. On occasion it is all right to give in to temptation, but we can afford to do this only if everything else is a healthy balance.

Nutrition on the Viva del Fitness System is all about eating the right food at the right time. Eating quality foods is the first step. Then, the preparation of those quality foods to maintain optimum nutritional value. Lastly, the quantity of the food.

The right food: I tell my clients to “eat clean” or eat as many fresh foods as possible. Processed foods are chemically engineered to taste great, are slightly addictive, and have little to no nutritional value that is pure. Compare your body to a fine automobile. If you were to put a poor quality of fuel in the vehicle (your body), it would yeild poor performance.

The right time: Try to get into the habit of eating every two hours. This is not to say you should eat more, just more often.

Viva's regimen: I start the day with fresh fruit and whole grain cereal or toast. I snack on yummy portable raw vegetables, fruit and vegetable juices, teas, and nuts throughout the day. Lunch and dinner consist of a large portion of salad, a lean protein or complex carbohydrate, and steamed fresh vegetables. I allow myself a "treat" if I need to indulge, and then I follow it up with something nutritious. Caffeine and alcohol are always at a minimum and I practice not having any at all for a stretch of 5 days or more once every couple of months as a thank-you to my body.

Check back with Fit Tips monthly for healthy eating suggestions and easy recipes.

As you embark on the system, please get a consultation from your doctor to see if an excercise and diet program is appropriate for you. See the disclaimer before beginning the program.