Healthier Eating Choices

It's very common for people to try to lose weight and dedicate themselves to going to the local gym or recreation center. Exercise is definitely a strong step in leading a healthier life style but a huge part of living a healthier lifestyle is eating cleaner. By eating cleaner I mean eating food that still has nutrients and minerals that help your body function properly. Before I started on a healthier lifestyle, I made pretty bad decisions in terms of my diet. I thought if I just worked out at least that would be better but I still felt unhealthy. For me, I was addicted to drinking my calories. I used to drink pop and juices every chance I got and I hated water because it tasted like nothing. When I decided I wanted to change my diet for good, I had to slowly pry myself from those bad habits. Unlike when I was younger I had to eat what my family purchased I realize that I am in complete control of my diet. Therefore, If I don't purchase it, I will not consume it. I trained myself to eliminate juices and pop from my diet as well as many other things that weren't good for me. I also saved money not buying junk food because they were always the first to go when I bought groceries and had to be replaced more often. Below are some the things I eliminated and the healthier alternatives I used to combat those voids.

Juices/Pop - smoothies
If I wanted something sweeter to drink I bought a blender to make smoothies of all combinations. I used frozen strawberries as a base and I would freeze blueberries, blackberries and other fruit and use either almond milk or freshly squeezed oranges to add to the blend to make the blend easier. (blenders can cost as low as $17 at target and other super stores) You can also try fruit water. It may sound a little strange but simply adding fruits to water will give it a pretty nice taste. Lemon water specifically helps to detoxify your body.

Chips - Almonds
I know that snacking is one of the biggest weaknesses of most people but chips are just empty calories. Eating almonds, peanuts and any other variation provides good fat for the body. Good fats gives your body energy while bad fats turn into sugar.

White products -whole grains
White products are bad if they are all you eat because they turn into the body quicker in the body and makes your body release insulin making you hungry again soon after. If you want to slow this down try whole grain products like wheat or whole grain bread and pasta. You can also get brown rice. Grains are low in fat and aren't stripped of nutrients like fiber, potassium and magnesium.

Desserts - Fruit
I know from experience that most people I know don't eat enough fruits and vegetables. Well instead of eating candy, cookies and other desserts try grabbing a bag of grapes or my favorite blackberries. They will definitely satisfy your sweet tooth.