As a transformational nutrition coach, I often hear the question, “Why do we need more protein and fiber in our diets?” When you’re trying to lose weight, get in shape or improve your overall health, these are two essential components you should strive to get into your diet. Read on to learn why both fiber and lean protein should be a fundamental part of your meals.

Lean Protein

Consumption of lean protein is critical—we need it in our diet, coupled with exercise, to build muscle and maintain what we already have. Our muscle mass decreases with age, which, in turn, slows down our metabolism and can lead to weight gain. Loss of muscle mass doesn’t just lead to extra pounds; it can increase the risk of injury, especially the older you get. To combat these issues now and in the future, consume lean protein and get your workouts in. Keep in mind that, the more lean muscle mass you have, the more calories you will burn on a daily basis.

Another reason why...

How are your New Year’s resolutions going? Believe it or not, the majority of Americans have already fallen off the wagon—in fact, many fell off by the third week of January. Even if you’ve had a bad day or two, don’t give up. Never give up! When you work with a transformational nutrition coach, you’ll learn ways to adopt a healthy lifestyle rather than a strict diet that is difficult to stick to. This makes it easier to maintain results over the long term and improves overall health.

Below are some easy-to-implement changes that can help you transform your lifestyle and achieve the results that you want.

1. Try New Things

Each week, try something new that you know is healthy for you. Make a stop at the juice bar and load up on a green medley. Get a steamer and try it out every day for a week. Hide your keys for the weekend and walk everywhere you need to go. Take a new exercise class that you’ve never even heard of before. Whatever you accomplish...

It’s National Walking Day—the ideal time to incorporate walking into your lifestyle. If you’re trying to lose weight or maintain results, walking is an excellent way to ramp up your physical activity levels and boost your diet efforts. Read on to discover the many benefits of walking—and learn why transformational nutrition coach Maria Mizzi recommends adopting it as one of your exercise modes.

1. Walking Improves Overall Health

A regular walking program yields a wide range of benefits that improve your overall health and fitness levels. Walking helps prevent and combat many health conditions and diseases, including obesity, back pain, diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and even various forms of cancer, such as breast and colon. It strengthens your muscles and bones, and helps prevent osteoporosis.

2. Weight Loss

Walking helps metabolize calories and modestly burns fat. Research shows that it improves blood sugar levels and glycemic...