Don’t be alarmed; this is not a religious post, but these are the very commandments that I live by and believe in. If you apply these simple “rules,” you can achieve amazing health and vitality!

1. Thou Shalt ONLY Eat Ingredients That Thy Can Pronounce.
Food processing companies add thousands of chemicals to our food supply, and these harmful substances are very taxing on your organs of detoxification. As your liver struggles to keep up with all of the processed substances you’re putting in your body, it becomes sluggish. This results in toxic, foreign substances entering your blood stream, which then activates your immune system to get rid of these dangerous invaders. Eventually, you can develop chronic fatigue and other health problems. A good rule of thumb to follow: if you can’t pronounce it, don’t eat it! Your liver (and the rest of your body) will thank you.

2. Thou Shalt Eat Organic Foods As Much as Possible.
Organic foods are grown without the use of harmful chemical pesticides, herbicides, fungicides and insecticides. Foods that are labeled “Certified Organic” are regulated by strict government standards. The guidelines for certified organic foods are much more strict than non-organic foods. Organic foods may cost a bit more, but you’re getting four times the nutrition! And your liver will thank you for this one too as there’s less garbage to process during digestion!

3. Thou Shalt Eat a Balanced Breakfast EVERY Morning.
Everyone knows that breakfast is the “most important meal of the day,” right? But I’m not talking about eating your typical processed, “non-foods” like cereal, muffins, bagels, waffles, and Pop-Tarts. Even if they’re low-fat, low-sugar, they’re still garbage and not a good source of fuel first thing in the morning. A “balanced” breakfast consists of healthy proteins, preferably from organic animal sources, fats like coconut oil, olive oil and REAL butter, and carbohydrates likes whole fruits, veggies and grains. To kick-start your metabolism, the best time to eat is within an hour to an hour and a half of getting up.

4. Thou Shalt Eat Healthy Proteins, Fats and Carbs with EVERY Meal.
Every meal or snack that you eat should have a balance of proteins, fats and carbs—not just your breakfast! You’ll know that you’ve created the right combination when you’re able to go 3-4 hours without eating again and your energy, mental clarity, and overall sense of well-being improves. We each require unique macronutrient proportions to achieve optimal health and fitness, so it helps to know your Metabolic Type® to make sure you’re getting the right mix of fuel for your body’s needs.

5. Thou Shalt Eat Balanced Meals EVERY 3-4 Hours.
This is a MUST! Eating frequently through out the day is key to keeping your metabolism elevated. One of the worst things you can do is skip meals, especially if you want to have a lean body. When you skip meals, your body thinks it’s starving, and it will increase fat storing enzymes and decrease fat burning enzymes as a survival mechanism. So you’re basically training your body to store fat. Your metabolism also becomes slowed as your body is adapting to your reduced fuel intake. Don’t be afraid to eat, just be sure to remember commandments 1, 2, 3 and 4!

Leave me a comment on FriendYourBody.com, and I’m happy to help you!

Melissa Koerner

Check back in two weeks for the next five commandments.