This last step towards achieving the ultimate Clean Plate Award is by far the most difficult.
In fact, I just implemented this change in my own diet this week! It hasn’t been easy, but I know it will be worth it in the long run.
Pristine Plate Tip #7:
- Ban the Brew- I’m sorry all you coffee lovers out there, but coffee is just not a clean food/beverage!
One 8oz cup of coffee a day is probably okay, not great, but okay. Just make sure you skip the fat and sugar laden lattes.
Any more than 8oz of coffee a day can upset insulin, raise cortisol levels, and increase abdominal fat.
Personally, I noticed a much flatter stomach within 1 day of cutting my morning java. My afternoon “crashes” have also diminished.
Remember, caffeine is an addictive substance, like cigarettes. You wouldn’t quit smoking by going cold-turkey, or at least most people wouldn’t. If you find your caffeine withdrawals too much to handle, try backing off a little at a time. Replace half your caffeinated cup with decaf coffee. After a few days, cut the coffee all together and switch to green tea.
Green tea is a wonderful replacement for coffee. It is warm, comforting, and delivers a much milder form of caffeine paired with body-healing antioxidants. Green tea has also been shown to decrease belly fat!
Remember, the cleanest beverage of all is WATER!!!!
Drink at least 64oz a day for optimal hydration.
All this talk of nutrition reminds me of the next class in our Rollin’ Oats Lecture series, Nutrition & Supplements for Runners!
Area Dietician and avid distance runner, Erin Kowal, will lead us in a discussion on the best “before & after” preparation and recovery foods and supplements!
