Simple Changes -YOU- Can Make NOW!
Trying to lose weight and get healthy means making different choices and, although it may take conscious effort at first, they will soon become second nature... a 'no brainer' if you will! Here are a few changes you can embrace that will help you feel better and loose weight.
1. Choose Whole Grain every time.Whole grain pastas, whole grain bread choices, and wheat are healthier for you over white every time! You will find these choices have more texture, are more filling, more satisfying, and certainly better for your body. Avoid any product with Enriched White Flour. Instead, choose some favorites like: Quinoa (a grain, available at Costco, cooks like rice), Whole Wheat Tortillas for those Mexican nights, Whole Grain Sandwich Thins, and Whole Grain Israeli Cous Cous. These are all great alternatives to white rice, white bread, and white flour tortillas and it’s a quick, easy change.
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2. Lose the sugar!Studies show that sugar is 8 times more addicting than cocaine! One of the most common culprits is soda: they are terrible for us, full of sugars and other chemicals our bodies don’t need and can’t fully process. If you can't fully give up soda, limit yourself to just one time a day. Cutting back on these slowly will allow your blood sugar levels to adjust and your cravings to become less and less. It may even save you a few dollars to choose water over soda! For coffee lovers, try a sugar alternative like Truvia or Liquid Blue Agave. They are natural alternatives that taste great and will help keep sugar cravings at bay.
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3. Increase your protein intake.Filling up on chips, fries, noodles, candy or any other snack takes a while to satisfy and does not keep you full for long. Add some protein to fill you up: it gives your body something ‘real’ to process and satisfies the hunger cravings.
Try adding Peanut Butter to celery or an apple in the afternoon for a filling snack. Add chicken or shrimp to whole grain tortillas with a some melted cheese for a mid-day nacho feast. But remember to skip the sour cream and go easy on the cheese! Instead, add a slice of fresh Avocado to make this creamy and add some healthy fats to your day. When in doubt or needing something quick, grab a protein bar. Protein bars are a good way to curb hunger until you can get to a time/place for a real meal. Don’t replace actual meals with bars, your body deserves more and remember to check the labels for large amounts of sugar! |
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4. Keep it FRESH!Getting away from processed foods can be tricky. They can be convenient and are often cheaper than fresh foods. However, though they may save a few minutes or bucks, what you are sacrificing isn't worth the effects they have on our bodies. Contrary to the common belief, it’s actually very quick and easy to grill a breast of chicken, chop it up on a bed of fresh greens, and top it with nuts, goat cheese, tomatoes, onions, or anything else you love. Plus, if you plan ahead and make extra, you can put it in a container and have a quick and convenient lunch or snack the next day! Check out our salad dressing recipes for healthy alternatives that can double as marinates for your meats and vegetables, plus, the grill loves them!
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