With the New Year now upon us, many people are trying to get healthy. After all, if you’re like most people, you likely consumed more than your weight in chocolate alone this holiday season, not to mention the insane amount of carbohydrates that were floating around under everyone’s noses.
Here are a few ideas to get you heading in the right direction—food wise.
Sugar-Sugar is a leading cause of obesity in this country. This year, why not resolve to lower your sugar intake? This is relatively simple to do. When you’re cooking, simply substitute Splenda for sugar. Eat whole grains rather than refined grains (ex. wheat rather than white).
Lower Your Carbohydrate Intake-Did you know you can make a cheesecake without the crust? You can, and it’s low-carb! And the next time you decide to eat pasta, why not explore the vegetable section of your grocery store and select a spaghetti squash instead. Cut it in half and place it in a dish with a small amount of water. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and microwave for about 10 minutes then use a fork to pull the strands from the squash. Top with your favorite sauce and voila! You have healthy spaghetti.
Eat fish—Some fish, like salmon, contain Omega-3 vitamins, which are good for your heart. Try pan-searing some salmon that you’ve marinated in orange juice, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and lime. Pop it in the oven for a few minutes to finish cooking it and serve it with green beans or broccoli and a small portion of rice. The flavors are amazing and you’ll be feeding your body something healthy at the same time.
Get creative with salads—Salads are a great way to get your “five a day.” Try a mixed salad with various lettuces, tomatoes, diced red bell peppers, radishes, green onions, and mushrooms. Grate some carrot and add a simple vinaigrette of lemon and olive oil and you’ve got a wonderful side dish. Add some chopped chicken and you’ve got a meal! Salads will help you look and feel better in no time!
Food doesn’t have to be your enemy now that you’ve made your New Year’s resolution to get into shape. Food works with you as long as you follow some basic guidelines for good health. And most of all, food should be enjoyed, not feared. So go ahead, dive into the fruit and vegetable section of your local grocery store. You’ll be surprised at all of the amazing flavor combinations you can come up with.
