Eating Healthy Isn’t As Hard As You Think

Often people tell me how difficult it is to eat healthy. I just don't agree. Maybe five or ten years ago it was hard but in this day and age if you WANT to eat healthy it's possible. Granted, it's hard to emotionally pull that trigger at times but if you want to make some changes, feel better and lose weight there is more today out there for you than ANY TIME I can recall.

As I was losing my 100lbs I didn't have all the great tools available today. When I look around, I just want to say we are living at a time where we can make good choices at anytime!

I'm dedicated to my health. I once had to travel to Disney for a big race weekend and wanted to eat in a way I wouldn't have the ole upset eating fast-food tummy.

I packed some pulled rotisserie chicken from the store, a couple of cooked sweet potatoes, two cans of seasoned tuna, some rice cakes and peanut butter,  a couple of apples, and a couple of hard boiled eggs. Once I got through security, I had a restaurant fill an empty Ziploc with ice and my food was good to go until I arrived. I ate most of my food as snacks or quick meals as needed between races. We did eat out a couple of times, too. I had salads and some fries as my planned treat. Rather than relying on finding healthy food I made sure I had things I could grab and fill in the gaps. I saved money, too!

Now let's talk about generic tips on making changes.

Tip #1: Make a shopping list when you go to the grocery store.
Never go to the store without a list. Shop from the list. Before you leave, take a look at what is on the list and think about anything you CAN CHANGE to a healthier option. Note it then move out! Also, set a time limit for the store. When you have a time limit, you don't have room to walk around noticing new JUNK that could end up in the cart.

Tip #2: Drink half of your body weight in fluid ounces of water each day. 
Skip the soda, juices, and sweet teas. If you are thirsty drink water FIRST. No grabbing the sugar filled drinks. My rule of thumb is if you are TRULY thirsty then water tastes good. If you are craving caffeine or sugar then a Coke sounds great and water sounds yuck.

Tip #3: Eat vegetables in every meal.
If you are making a casserole or pasta dish, double the veggies that it calls for because most recipes don't include that much. This will fill you up with the GOOD nutrients and prevents the dishes from being so void of nutrients.

Tip #4:Use smaller plates that are RED.
Are you are member of the clean plate club? If the plate is smaller, it means you can finish what's there without taking in too many calories. (Yes, this is a mind game! But it works.)

Tip #5: Choose vibrant colored veggies and fruit. 
The more color, the more antioxidants. Choose dark green lettuce over iceburg every time and don't be afraid to try new fruits and veggies! Just one new one a week will help you find things your family can enjoy.

Tip #6: Keep all sweet treats and junk food out of sight.
If you don't see it you can focus on other things! Keep healthy foods like a bowl of fruit or sliced veggies at even level as you open the refrigerator. You will be amazed at how much this helps cut down the amount of junk food you eat!

Last is the best of all! Food Prep and quick meals are KEY to my success. I prep food weekly AND I am diligent about meals being quick. I am just like all of you; I don't have time to mess around a lot during the week. The only way I can stay out of the drive thru is to keep things easy.

1.) Hard boil a dozen eggs. 

2.) Measure out and bag up nuts.

3.) Meal & snack plan for the week.

4.) Wash, cut, and bag up produce.

5.) Scramble together eggs and ham for easy breakfasts or snack the rest of the week.

6.) Make up separate salads in tupperware, then just grab protein and toppings! You can also use my MASON JAR SALADS.

7.) Make a big pot of healthy soup for easy dinners or lunches.

8.) Make a crockpot full of chicken, then portion and/or freeze as needed!

9.) Cook up 3-4 sweet potatoes.

10.) Make a big pot of quinoa to add to a salad, dinner side, or breakfast!

11.) Fill up a few gallons of water. Add lemon if you’d like! 

I hope these tips help.