How to Start Eating Healthier

As we all know diet and nutrition is a huge key in living and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Maintaining the right diet and nutrition can help improve your overall health. It can also increase your energy levels, help with mood, and prevent diseases.

Knowing that health is such an important part of our life, why is it that we don't always choose to be healthy?

I have been thinking about health a lot lately since my husband has was diagnosed with Gout in 2009. For him it is a hereditary thing and it is something he will have to live with for his life. We are in the process of figuring out what he can and can not eat and how he can loose weight slowly without increasing his uric acid.

It is definitely not easy to all the sudden change the way you eat but it is certainly something we have do.

So that being said, women have a way to there husbands belly. Don't we ladies?! What we cook and make for our family is what they will eat. I think it is important for us, as women, to create healthy meals that our husbands and families can eat and enjoy. Now don't get me wrong, we will have those easy go to meals, our pizza night, do a quick run to Chic-fil-a every now and then-- but to do it in moderation is the key.

Here is a quick list that you could go by if you are just starting out with wanting to eat healthier and you don't know where to start: 

 Increase Your Intake of These:

Fresh Vegetables
Vegetable Sources of Protein (beans, legumes, and nuts)
Whole Grains
Fresh Fruits
Soy-based products
Homemade Soups that are low in fat and salt 
Homemade Sauces, etc. 

Cut Down on the Following:

When you are out grocery shopping, look at the labels of the food items you are buying. This is important! Learn what is in your food and what you are really eating. 

Cut down on the following:

Caffeinated coffees, teas, and sodas
Carbonated sugary drinks
Foods labeled ‘Enriched’
Dairy and Dairy Products
Red Meat
Foods High in Sugar 
High Fructose Syrup
Foods High in Salt
Hydrogenated Oils
preservative rich foods

It is simpler than you think!

One of the main reasons why people tend to shy away from there healthy habits is the fear of it being time consuming, expensive and a complicated process. The truth is, maintaining good nutrition is often simpler than you think. It is all a matter of simple substitutions and paying attention to what and how much you are eating.

Lastly, keep in mind that being healthy does not mean that you have to completely give up your favorite sweets or dinner meal but to learn how to eat healthy a majority of the time. Also, don't eat the same foods over and over again, try a variety of food so you won't get tired  of eating the same things. 

So--the next time you go to the store or sit at home and make your grocery list--determine right then that you are going to choose a new way of eating.  

If you have questions or comments about any of this please write to me and let me know. I would be happy to answer any of your questions or help with a list of foods for breakfast, lunch and dinner ideas. 

I will try to post some healthier recipes this week and next week to get you on the right track. 

Good Luck!