The Herbalife Nutrition Philosophy: A BALANCED APPROACH
By Susan Bowerman, M.S., R.D., C.S.S.D., F.A.N.D. Director, Worldwide Nutrition Training, Herbalife
In order to look and feel your best, your body needs a complex blend of nutrients. Not only do you need the right proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals — you need adequate fluids to stay hydrated and a good dose of fiber, too. That’s a tall order — and even the most careful eater can be hard-pressed to meet each nutrient target every day.
This is why our Herbalife Nutrition Philosophy is based on balanced nutrition — a combination of healthy foods and supplements that help you meet your daily needs, coupled with the right calorie balance to help you lose, gain or maintain your body weight.
Protein
Protein is a macronutrient that is vital to virtually every cell in the body. Your body uses protein to manufacture important molecules, like hormones and enzymes, and to build and maintain muscle tissue. Protein is also great at satisfying hunger. Your body is constantly assembling, breaking down and using protein, so it’s important to include enough protein in the diet every day to replace what is being used. Herbalife Nutrition Philosophy suggests that up to 30% of your daily calorie intake comes from protein, which can include protein sourced from plants, such as soybeans, and animal, like poultry, fish and eggs.
Carbohydrates
Your body’s preferred source of fuel is another macronutrient, carbohydrates. It’s important to include an adequate number of carbohydrates every day for daily activities. Herbalife Nutrition Philosophy recommends that you get about 40% of your calories in the form of beneficial carbohydrates — whole grains, beans, vegetables and fruits.
Fat
Your body also requires small amounts of the third macronutrient, beneficial fats, in order to function properly. The typical American diet supplies more total fat and saturated fat than we need, and not enough of healthy fats, such as fats from fish, nuts, olive oil and avocados. Fats are a very concentrated source of calories, which is why Herbalife Nutrition Philosophy recommends that you limit your fat intake to not more than 30% of your daily calorie intake.
Vitamins and Minerals
Vitamins and minerals are involved in many of the chemical reactions your body performs every day, and many minerals – like calcium and magnesium for instance – have structural roles in the body. A well- balanced diet helps to supply the vitamins and minerals you need, and taking a daily multiple vitamin and mineral supplement helps you get the proper amounts.
Phytonutrients
Plant foods produce a wide range of natural compounds, called phytonutrients (“phyto” means “plant”) that are known to have a number of benefits. Many of these phytonutrients are pigments that give fruits and vegetables their beautiful colors, which is why Herbalife Global Nutrition Philosophy recommends “colorful” meals that include plenty of vegetables and fruits.
Fiber
Fiber supports the digestive process, helps to fill you up, and promotes the growth of friendly bacteria in the digestive tract. Whole fruits, vegetables, whole grains and beans are the best sources of dietary fiber. Fiber supplements can also be incorporated into your diet to assist you in reaching your daily target of 25 grams.
Water
The human body is 70% water, so it’s no surprise that we need to stay hydrated in order to remain healthy. Your body needs water to transport nutrients to cells and to get rid of waste products. Water also helps control body temperature and lubricate joints, organs and tissues. Most of the chemical reactions in the body take place in water, too. The general recommendation for fluids is about eight 8-oz (240mL) glasses a day. Water should be the first choice, but plain tea or coffee can also count towards meeting your daily fluid needs.
Balancing Your Calories
The idea of calorie balance – balancing those you eat and those you burn – is fairly straightforward. “Calories in” are the total calories that you take in from all the foods and beverages you consume. “Calories out” are all the calories your body burns each day – a combination of the calories it takes for your body to perform its most basic functions (also known as your resting metabolic rate) and the calories that you expend through exercise and activity.
If the calories you eat are balanced with the calories you burn, your weight should stay stable. But, if you tend to eat more calories than you burn, the scale will tip towards weight gain. and, if you tend to eat fewer calories than you burn, your weight will drop.
When it comes to balancing calories, you have control over both sides of the calorie equation. You can regulate how much goes in by counting the calories in the foods that you eat, and you can control – at least in part – how many calories you burn every day by staying active. So whether your goal is to lose, gain or maintain your weight, the power to tip the balance is in your hands.
