So who isn't trying to eat better. I think this is probably one of the biggest struggles for most people...me included. I thought I would share a few tips and healthy snacks that might help kick start your healthy eating.
First and foremost...GET YOURSELF A CUTE CUP!...I promise it makes all the difference. I have two Tervis Tumbler cups (pictured below) so I can always have one clean. They hold 24oz of fluid...I drink at least 2 of these a day and sometimes more....of WATER. When it's a cute cup, it makes you want to drink out of it.
I haven't always been a water drinker. When I started making the change a few years ago...I started by adding those little sugar-free Crystal Light flavor packets to it, then I started just adding a little flavor with a squirt of lemon juice. Finally, I transitioned to making it really cold with a lot of ice. Now, I can drink water at any temperature. I actually can get it down better when it is room temperature or cold from coming out of the frig.
I will say...I drink a coke when I want one, but I try to keep it to a minimum. I found this article and thought it was interesting to inform us all of what is actually in a carbonated beverage. I'm a big fan...most things are fine in moderation...just be informed of what you are putting into your body.
And...read your labels. Most people would say yogurt is healthy. And if you're comparing it to ice cream...it is! But there are also different types of yogurt. Most is very high in sugar content. The new thing now is greek yogurt. I will say...it's an acquired taste, or at least it was for me. It's more the consistency of sour cream and definitely more bland, but I've grown to love it.
As you can see...I'm comparing the Publix brand of Regular Yogurt to Voskos Greek Yogurt. I didn't buy these just for this photo op. I do buy both sometimes. If I'm going to make a smoothie...I need something a little less dense, so I will use the regular yogurt..BUT...for a snack, I usually eat Greek Yogurt. As I said before...I'm not a crazy dieter, but I do try to pay attention to what I'm eating.
Look at the labels...EVERYTHING is higher in the Publix Yogurt (left) verses the Greek Yogurt (right) with the exception of protein content. Big things to look at are...carbs, sugar, sodium, protein. I'm not too big on having to hit a certain number, but as you can see...the Publix brand has almost double in everything especially sugar and carb content.
One good rule to remember...carbs and sugar...BOO, protein is your friend.
For a snack during the day...I "TRY" to pair a protein with a carbohydrate.
So the nuts (which have a little sweet taste b/c they are dusted in chocolate/cocoa) are the protein and the apple is the carb. The apple isn't your typical "carb" like bread or pasta...it's just a good "carb" meaning it's the natural sugar.
Here I have carrots (carb) and on the left is a mini package of hummus (protein) instead of ranch dip (right). Just giving an example of a choice that is easy to make for a healthier option. There are different flavors of hummus but it's packed with protein verses an alternative like veggie dip.
Ok...so hopefully I'm not the only one who struggles through what to eat and making healthy choices. Thought I would share some things I "TRY" to do. I have a lot more to learn in this area, but I do enjoy reading about eating healthy and learning new ways to do it.
Notice my key word...TRY...that means I'm not perfect in this area. I don't always eat healthy and if I want a cookie..I eat a cookie but I don't eat 10....everything in moderation is the rule I try to use. If I know we are going to eat mexican on Friday night, I'll try and eat healthier all week and then I can get that chicken quesadilla. If not, then I get the chicken soft taco and water. It takes a lot of discipline and there are definitely times I'm more disciplined than others...
Got any tips on what you do to make healthy eating choice?..let me hear from ya. I'm always looking for ways to improve in this area.
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