5 Food Swaps to a Healthier YOU!!
Do you ever feel that what you do eat is sabotaging your weight loss goals? You are doing your best, but changing everything at one time can be a little overwhelming. What helps me is the saying, “small steps lead to big changes”. This is very true. All success takes is making one small change in your daily diet that will not only lead you to bigger changes but changes that last. That is what we are after AND what we want.
That being said, here are some recommendations of food choices that you can start making right now.
OUT: Soda…all types
IN: Green Tea or more water
For healthy hydration add more water to your daily intake especially in the summer time. Add slices of cucumbers in your water for a refreshing alternative. Green tea is a refreshing and healthy alternative to soda’s nutritional void. Served hot or cold, green tea will give you a boatload of antioxidants and help your body fight cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, and obesity.
OUT: White Bread or wheat bread
IN: Ezekiel Bread
Ezekiel bread is made with fiber-rich organic grains and legumes. It has a high protein count and many of the essential amino acids you need. So supercharge your next sandwich with Ezekiel bread.
OUT: Chips and Dip
IN: Hummus and Celery Sticks
Hummus contains plenty of Omega 3 fatty acids, which are great for improving intelligence and maintaining a healthy heart. On top of it all, this dish also has iron, vitamin B6, manganese, copper, folic acid, and amino acids. Tryptophan, phenylalanine, and tyrosine are the amino acids found in hummus that can promote good quality sleep and uplift one’s mood. Hummus is loaded with nutrients that can contribute to a healthy lifestyle
OUT: Regular Peanut Butter
IN: Natural Almond, Sesame or Peanut Butters
Regular peanut butter is high in additives, including extra sugar and sodium. Natural almond and peanut butters are the better way to get the benefits of nut butters’ protein and healthy fats, without taking in empty calories from sugar or preservatives your body doesn’t need.
OUT: Regular Yogurt
IN: Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt is packed with protein and is usually lower in sugar than regular yogurt. It has a tangier flavor and a thicker, creamier texture. Plain Greek yogurt also makes a great substitute for sour cream. Look for the reduced-fat option.
OUT: Regular & Artificial Sugars
IN: Stevia & Raw Honey
Stevia is a zero-calorie, South American herb that is sweeter than regular sugar. Raw honey contains antioxidants, and may also help with seasonal allergies. Either is a healthier choice than refined, granulated cane sugar, which has loads of calories but no benefits; or artificial sweeteners, which are unnatural and not beneficial.
This is a great place to start. Even with these simple changes, you will notice a big impact on your energy level, how you feel physically and mentally. This process of taking small steps can be applied to every aspect of your life. Give it some thought, where else in your life do you want to make changes, but it has been difficult to implement? Break the process down into small steps that you can do today that will help you take another step forward tomorrow?
You CAN do this! Just believe it and you will.