1)Do not skip meals
a)Eat breakfast- break the fast from the night before and jump start your metabolism
b)Make lunch the biggest meal of the day when your digestion is at its peak
c)Eat a light dinner. Try to eat before 7pm so you digest your food properly before going to bed
2)Stock up on healthy snacks so you always have good options available
a)Create your own trail mix: slivered almonds, dried fruit, dried edamame, unsweetened coconut flakes
b)Hummus and veggies
c)Celery rib and peanut butter
d)Apple and nut butter
e)Popcorn and nuts
f)Plain yogurt with fresh berries or grapes
g)Mozzarella stick
h Frozen banana or grapes
i)Kashi cereal, raisins and nuts
3)Drink more water throughout the day
a)Upon rising, drink a glass of water to get one out of the way
b)Fill up a one liter bottle and carry with you throughout the day
c)When hunger or sweet cravings arise, first reach for a glass of water - a lot of times we are just dehydrated
4)Substitute whole grains for white foods
a)Instead of white rice, buy brown rice, barley, basmati rice or wild rice
b)Instead of instant oatmeal, buy rolled oats or steel cut oats
c)Instead of white bread, buy sprouted or whole grain bread
d)Instead of white pasta, buy brown rice pasta, soba noodles, whole wheat pasta, or buckwheat pasta
5)When grocery shopping
a)Select different color produce so you get all the vitamin and nutrients your body needs
b)Stock up your pantry and freezer with staple goods so you can throw together a quick, healthy
dinner when you have no fresh food
c)Buy packaged size meat, fish or chicken and divide into single portion sizes and freeze
d)Have a default grocery list of 2-3 of your favorite meals that are easy to cook and you can pull
together in a pinch
6)Get in the kitchen, forget the rules and start cooking
a)Make it fun, turn on the music or put on a headset and talk with family and friends
b)Recruit your children and/or significant other to help and make it a family affair
c)Cook once, eat twice. Make enough to freeze for another day
d)Pick one day and a couple new recipes you want to cook
Amy Coughlin is a Certified Wellness Coach whose practice is designed to educate and empower individuals to take significant and preventative steps in their long-term health and wellness. Ultimately, her education, coupled with her expertise in corporate training and recruitment, has inspired her to coach individuals and corporate groups in wellness education programs.
If you want to improve your food, mood, and life, call me to experience a complimentary health history. You will be glad you did!
http://www.amysinteriorgardens.com
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