Eating Well

(still editing this one)

Healthy eating is not about strict nutrition philosophies, staying unrealistically thin, or depriving yourself of the foods you love. Rather, it’s about feeling great, having more energy, and keeping yourself as healthy as possible– all of which can be achieved by learning some nutrition basics and using them in a way that works for you. That's why we created this blog.

Healthy eating begins with learning how to “eat smart”—it’s not just what you eat, but how you eat. Your food choices can reduce your risk of illnesses such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, as well as defend against depression. Additionally, learning the habits of healthy eating can improve your health by boosting your energy, sharpening your memory and stabilizing your mood. Expand your range of healthy food choices and learn how to plan ahead to create and maintain a satisfying, healthy diet.

Ideally we try to eat real food as whole and natural as possible, which means limiting processed foods and educating ourselves about smarter and healthier alternatives when it comes to how we both eat and prepare our food. We are not vegan, paleo, or any other fad/diet, per say, but find ourselves liking the whole food philosophies (Weston a. Price foundation website for more info).


Other Thoughts...

Try to Shop Fresh and Local

If you have a garden, that's ideal. If not, try getting a tomato plant this year or a pre-made salsa garden pot. Next, the local farmer’s market, fruit stand or Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) group are great ways to get access to fresh, local produce (or form a co-op).


Water—a vital part of a healthy diet

Water makes up about 75% of our bodies and helps flush our systems of waste products and toxins. Yet many people go through life dehydrated—causing tiredness, low energy and headaches. Carry a water bottle with you or plan how to get eight glasses worth into your day. And try drinking lemon water in the morning at least 30 minutes before eating to give your digestive system with a clean start.
Caffeinated beverages, in particular, actually cause the body to lose water. Fresh fruits and vegetables, on the other hand, contain plenty of water and can help with hydration.


Plan Ahead

Healthy eating starts with simple substitutions, but can be aided more quickly by planning. You will have won half the healthy diet battle if you have a well-stocked pantry, a stash of quick and easy recipes, and plenty of healthy snacks.

Plan your meals for the week by picking a few healthy recipes that you and your family like. If you have three or four meals planned per week and eat leftovers on the other nights, you will be much farther ahead than if you are eating out or having frozen dinners most nights.

Cooking ahead saves time and money, not to mention future stress. Try to cook one or both weekend days or on a weekday evening and make extra to freeze or set aside for another night. Challenge yourself to come up with two or three dinners that can be put together without going to the store—utilizing things in your pantry, freezer, etc.