Whole Food Transformation
Author: Sonya
Our modern world of processed foods, fast food restaurants, and fad diets have made nutrition a very complicated topic. Many people believe that they need to buy expensive supplements, prepare fancy recipes, and slave away for hours in the kitchen in order to follow a healthy lifestyle. But, the truth is that a whole, natural foods transformation can be an easy change if you simply make small adjustments to your day-to-day choices and habits. Here are 10 easy changes you can make, go on…. Try it and see the difference:
1. Increase your vegetable portions. It is important to eat a lot of fruits and vegetables, and one of the best ways to do this is by increasing the vegetable serving size on your plate. Consider some of these options: serving the salad as your main meal, providing several vegetable side dishes, or adding extra veggies into sauces, casseroles, and other main dishes.
2. Replace refined grains with whole grains. Instead of choosing white bread for your sandwich, find a healthier whole wheat option. Other substitutions can be made such as brown rice instead of white rice, whole grain pasta instead of white pasta, and whole grain crackers instead of white flour crackers.
3. Read the labels. If you choose to eat a food item that comes in a package, always read the label to determine if it has unwanted ingredients. The ingredient list should be simple... don't eat it if there are ingredients that you wouldn't have in your kitchen cupboards - simple.
4. Buy organic milk, dairy and meat products. Most of the conventional dairy products are made from the milk of animals that have been treated with hormones, antibiotics, and other medications. If you eat dairy, buy organic and research the company to check their animal treatment and production methods.
5. Prepare fruit based desserts. Fruit is high in nutrition and low in calories, and the natural sugars can still satisfy your sweet tooth-- it is a great substitution for popular desserts and treats.
6. Buy grass fed meat instead of grain fed meat. Grass fed animals tend to have higher nutritional value and lower amounts of fat. The food that an animal is fed affects everything from the omega-6:omega-3 ratio to the levels of specific nutrients (beta-carotene, vitamin E, B- vitamins, and more).
7. Cut out the fizzy drinks. Carbonated beverages are very bad for your health because they contain sugar, artificial sweeteners, and other unhealthy, unnatural ingredients. Instead, drink water or fresh fruit juice and avoid soda and other sugary drinks. Or try swapping traditions soda drinks for plain soda water with a squeeze of lemon or lime… Delicious!
8. Drink lots of filtered water. Drinking water is important to keep your body hydrated, and it may also help to prevent over-eating. Be sure that it is filtered, and free of fluoride and other contaminants.
9. Limit fast food. It is difficult to find healthy food at the fast food restaurants, especially because "healthy" menu items such as salads are often filled with sneaky sugars and fats. Pack a lunch instead, or find a local deli with freshly made, local ingredients.
10. Always keep healthy snacks on hand. It can be tempting to turn to the vending machine for a mid-afternoon snack. Chopped vegetables, mixed nuts, dried fruit, or an apple and peanut butter are a few ideas for fast and healthy snacks. Try a tin of tuna in the afternoon, celery with tzatziki or hummus.
As you make simple changes in your life, you will find that your overall health will improve. When this whole foods transition begins, many people experience weight loss, an increase in energy, a better attitude, and a decrease in negative health conditions. Healthy eating habits can literally transform your life, and now is the time to take control of your overall health and wellness!
About the Author: I am an everyday girl who has acheived amazing results through making simple change in my life and diet. not only has this resulted in Weight Loss but I have noticed my skin and hair are more vibrant, I have alot more energy and generally a more positive outlook on life. Making simple steps can make a huge difference...
