Health: Nutrition or Crap?

Good morning! Hope all of you are doing well and ready for this next topic Nutrition versus Crap!

Looking at that sentence Nutrition looks like a tastier option than crap, however, most people will see a burger and fries looking better than fruits and veggies. Many people end up choosing the crap over nutrition.

If you think back to our blog with the car analogy again. Your car is only going to run as good as the oil, gas, and maintenance you put into it. The same is so with our bodies. What we put in our body, on our body, environment we surround ourselves in, and what we allow to enter our minds play a HUGE role in the performance of our body. The overall health of our body is affected by small changes, good or bad, over time.

SO HOW DO WE AVOID THE CRAP!?

It is often very easy to just pick something up like fast food or pizza especially with how busy or productive life can seem.

There are many ways we can choose healthy nutritious food that will fuel our bodies instead of choosing items with poor to no nutritional value that will not add any benefit to our health other than it was pleasing because it tasted and smelled really good.

Here are some tips:

1. Keep fresh fruits and vegetables you like stocked in your house in sight so they are easy to grab and go.

2. Plan ahead - make a menu, order to groceries for pick-up if possible to avoid unnecessary purchases inside the store.

3. Meal prep when you have the time. Instead of sitting there and watching a show on t.v. Watch the show, but meal prep at the same time. This will eliminate fast food pick up and provide your family with a healthier meal.

4. Do not keep sodas or sugary processed foods stocked in our fridge or pantry. If you want it that bad you will have to make the extra effort to go and get it!

5. Avoid buying everything processed. Opt for fresher items and have fun making items as whole foods. They taste great, you'll feel great, and you can teach your kids some life lessons that you all will enjoy and remember.

6. Read nutrition labels and avoid foods with multiple items in the ingredients. Opt more for items that are whole foods with preferably 3 or less but a maximum of 5 ingredients in the nutrition facts that are not preservatives, artificial flavors or colors.

7. Download a free app to help you with meal prep, planning, or even how to buy healthier products. Follow healthier food and nutrition blogs online through social media or the food network channel. Go old school and buy a cook book!!!

8. Are you craving that something sweet or something salty. Find a healthier alternative to give you that satisfaction that you can buy or make at home that will still provide you with nutrition and not fill you with empty calories, junk, or preservatives.

9. Think natural. Back in the day - we ate what we could hunt, catch, plant and grow, or what we could find that naturally grew in our area. Ask yourself - is this something that I need? Is it something that will fill me nutritionally to fuel my body? Or do I want it because it simply tastes good??? Then, is it worth it?

10. Pack your lunch to avoid unhealthy choices later.

11. Drink more water!!! Avoid sugary and processed drinks. Limit caffeine intake and watch artificial flavors and sweeteners. Try to avoid them.

12. Cook with fresh herbs and seasonings. Avoid seasonings full of salt and preservatives - read your nutrition labels.

13. Steer clear of the middle of the grocery store. Try to buy fresh which is usually around the edges of the store. Or just order online based on your menu to avoid temptation.

14. Check out local farmers markets for fresh foods. You can get out, exercise, and make healthier options while having fun.

15. By all means, you have to indulge now and then. Reward yourself for choosing healthy choices and give yourself a reward once a week whether it is one meal or one dessert or one snack that you love. I bet after a week of eating healthier you will notice how much better you feel and want to avoid feeling the way you used to.

16. Build a strong mindset. Know what you want for you and your body. Understand that it is a matter of what your body needs, not what your mind thinks it wants simply because it tastes good. We can crave healthy options if we give them a chance and have fun with the adventure!

17. Stay Positive!!!