Vallarta · Nayarit: Its Benefits for a Healthy Body

Taking care of your body and/or keeping it in good condition is much easier in a destination like Vallarta · Nayarit, where its well-utilized natural attributes contribute to achieving a healthier lifestyle.

Taking advantage of the fact that one of the most recurrent goals is to change habits, we approached Nutrición Integral Vallarta, where Rosa María González, a Vallarta nutritionist graduated from Tecnológico de Monterrey, spoke to us about the aspects that should be considered, as well as some of the region’s natural products that can be taken into account to improve nutrition.

Rosa María González.

To begin, our expert defines what it means to acquire a healthier routine. “A healthy body must have a balanced diet, with all the guidelines that this entails: high in fruits, vegetables and cereals, moderate in both protein and animal-origin products and reduced in ultra-processed foods. In addition, it is necessary to check that the blood levels are maintained in their normal parameters, and we must add daily physical activity to all this.”

First Steps

González explains that one of the first recommendations is to see a health specialist to analyze habits (from how sedentary or active a person may be, to what they eat, how many times they do it and at what time), as well as the patient’s tastes, preferences and state of health. All of this is done with the intention of creating a diet that best suits their goals and lifestyle.

“At the same time, they can join the gym, but I suggest that first a short evaluation be performed to determine their physical condition and, based on that, develop a semi-personalized plan, since the routine cannot be the same for someone who is just starting out as for those who have been in the gym for five years,” she explains.

From these first evaluations, the objectives and the time in which they are intended to be reached are established. “On many occasions, people seek to meet their goals quickly, but the most advisable way is a progressive process.”

Fruits and Vegetables

When asked about how to take advantage of the diversity of fruits and vegetables that exist in the Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit region, González commented, “Jackfruit, starfruit, soursop, pineapple, bananas and mangoes are highly recommended for healthy nutrition, but it is very important to consume them when they are in season, because in addition to being accessible, their nutrient content will be much higher.”

Also, it should be noted that each fruit is eaten in different portions. For example, while fruits that are sweeter should be eaten in less quantity, you should eat a little more of the less sweet ones.

Fish and Seafood

“The most advisable thing is to buy them in local markets, because they are really fresh products. On the one hand, it is better to eat small fish, as large fish can contain a higher concentration of mercury, which is a toxic heavy metal. Another thing that needs to be determined is that the shellfish are not farm-raised, because, since they are overcrowded, they can develop diseases that are treated with antibiotics,” she explains.

On the other hand, as salmon is one of the healthiest proteins and only comes to Vallarta · Nayarit as an imported item, González explains that attention should be paid to the product label, since it “offers the consumer valuable information, such as if the fish has been thawed or not, the preferred date of consumption and if it comes from extractive fishing or aquaculture.”

Superfoods

About 10 years ago, superfoods began to be very popular among people who take care of their body. The reason? This type of food, usually consumed in small quantities, has a high concentration of essential nutrients that are easily assimilated and have multiple health benefits, making them ideal for everyday use.

In this regard, the founder of Nutrición Integral Vallarta points out, “Although, as an expert, I do recommend their consumption, since they are foods that are really healthy and contain many properties, the reality is that basing an entire diet on them will not generate the expected results. The goals set will be achieved when the balance of a whole lifestyle is reached,” she concludes.

As long as you consume fewer calories than you use in the day, regardless of exercise and diet, you will lose weight.

Physical Activity

The best weight-loss exercises are those where you expend more calories in less time, such as running or swimming. To this point, our destination has impressive places to exercise outdoors and be active. These sports should be combined with strength training, which preferably should be done in a gym and under the supervision of a personal trainer.

Tips for Getting into the Habit of Eating Well and Exercising

• Set goals for the short, medium and long term, but they must always be 100 percent realistic.
• Be patient and understand that physical changes are going to occur progressively.
• Be aware that your own motivation to meet your goals may decrease and/or dissipate, but it should never be completely lost.
• Be creative and develop situations that allow you to continue on the path to achieve the goals set.