America abounds with hundreds of food choices including fruits and vegetables, a variety of meats and an enormous variety of prepared foods and fast foods. Due to technology and advancements in foods of convenience it is easy to have a complete meal ready in 15 minutes or less by placing it in the microwave. If you do not choose to go home for a meal it is possible to visit one of the thousands of available restaurants. Yet, more Americans are over-weight and in poor health than ever before due to the eating of foods that lack necessary nutrients for a healthy life. Is it due to our modern diet based on fast foods and convenient foods? Is it due to our stressed and hurried lifestyles that result in not wanting to exercise but rather sit in front of the TV and "veg out"? Or do we simply not know what we should be eating to perform at our best levels? How can we know what is healthy and what's not healthy?
We receive all kinds of advice daily on what we should be eating, what diet is the right one and even how much sugar and fat we need in our diets. There are many advertisements on TV and in magazines assuring us that their plan is the right one. Our friends and families and even our doctors make suggestions. How do we know which foods or which diet is right? Eating healthier simply means eating the foods that will strengthen your body and provide necessary nutrients such as minerals, vitamins, fiber and carbohydrates. These foods are those found in nature such as fruits and vegetables and lean meats.
It is more convenient at times to grab fast food or convenience foods due to our sometime fast-paced, hectic and stressful lifestyles. We determine to do better and start eating better by watching our sugar and fat intake and by eating more nutritious foods. Then something happens to get us off track and we fall back into our old routine of fast food. Don't give up. Promise yourself you will do better at the next meal. We all make mistakes. Be encouraged and learn from your mistake. Realize that many times we view food as our friend and a source of comfort. Sometimes it is necessary to distance ourselves from such friends that can do us harm.
Make a plan of action. First thing in your plan of action should be a way to get rid of all foods that are putting on the pounds and not providing nutritional value. Rid your kitchen shelves, your purse or briefcase, the drawer in your desk at work, your car and any other area where you have a "secret stash" of "comfort food". If you do not rid yourself of these things you will be tempted to return to such foods any time you need comfort, encouragement or support. Food that is our friend can also be our worst enemy.
Next, place good food and wholesome snacks into your personal space. For instance, put these snacks within easy reach while you are watching TV, playing video games or talking on the phone. At work place them where you can grab them for a quick "pick me-up". When preparing foods for meals prepare extra amounts that you can divide up to be used for other meals during the week. This will save time and will always assure that you have good food on hand. It will help when temptation comes to grab fast food because you are too tired to cook.
Keeping a food journal can help keep you focused on what you are eating. Record what you eat each day, including snacks. After each meal record the items that you have eaten. This will help you to see if you are eating foods that are providing the nutritional needs for each day. It will also be an encouragement to you as you look back over your journal and realize the progress you have made.
Make a goal to eat well balanced meals. Use meal times to relax from the pressures of the world. Take time to taste and smell your food. Make it an enjoyable occasion. Include fresh vegetables in your meals daily. Vegetables can be grilled, eaten raw, steamed and eaten in soups or drinks. Experiment and see what is best for you. Variety keeps boredom and monotony at bay.
Along with vegetables it is advisable to include lean meat and a small hand full of nuts or seeds. Drink plenty of clean, filtered water and cook with coconut oil. Limit or avoid most convenient, packaged and processed foods. A daily supplement of Omega3 fish oil is also suggested by many.
As you become more conscious of what you are eating you will also become more conscious of changes in your life. You will see improvement in your weight and your energy levels. You will sleep better and develop more mental clarity. Nutritious foods supply your body with fuel that in turn helps your body to function correctly that helps it to produce good blood pressure, healthy bones,shiny hair and beautiful nails. Recognize that only you can take control of your life and health. It is your choice. Let your food choices be true friends and not fair-weather friends that end up doing you harm.
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