1 . Whole foods instead of processed foods! Instead of frozen pizza and Cup O Noodles purchase whole foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables, & whole grains. Each are packed with essential nutrients like protein, fiber, healthy fats, vitamins & minerals your body needs and loves. Processed foods lack these nutrients and contain empty calories such as potato chips. Adding fruit or yogurt as a snack and fresh or frozen veggies to your lunch and/or dinner is a great start.
2 . Say GOODBYE to sugary drinks! The average American consumes about 45 gallons of soda each year, according to the Beverage Marketing Corporation. Among the obvious risk of Type 2 diabetes & obesity, consuming sugary beverages can also cause liver damage, premature aging and anxiety. So, put the sugary drinks down and pick up a unsweetened beverage, bottle of water or infused water. You owe it to your body!
3 . Keep healthy food readily available! When you get hungry, you tend to eat the first thing you see on the counter or in the fridge. Keeping healthy foods readily accessible & visible in your home or work is a good way to pick up healthier eating habits. Keep fruits on the kitchen counter, healthy snacks at eye level in your pantry and stock up your fridge with a few containers of cooked whole grains, meats packed with protein & good fats, fruits and vegetables. At work you can store nuts, dried berries and food high in fiber in a jar and place it on your desk or in its top drawer.
4 . Nuts & Seeds pack a bunch! From protein and healthy fats to vitamins and minerals, nuts are a super-food that pack a serious nutritional punch. Seeds like chia, flax seed and pumpkin seeds are like the Hercules of nutrition. They are an excellent source of vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals like calcium, zinc, and magnesium. You can add them to virtually anything you create or you can simply munch on them instead of a candy bar or bag of chips.
5 . Fishing for Fats! Eating fish such as salmon & mackerel at least twice a week could improves brain & heart health & can potentially reduce the risk of diseases such as Alzheimer's, dementia, & diabetes. This super food is also loaded with omega-3 fatty acids.
