Here's a list of 10 changes you can make right now for better health...
1. Switch from refined oils including vegetable oil to unrefined oils, such as extra virgin olive oil, flax oil, sesame oil, etc. The benefits include eliminating processed, heat-treated, & damaged fats and increasing your intake of healthy omega-3fatty acids.
2. Switch from sugar to agave nectar or honey. Both are sweeter than sugar, so you can use less in your coffee or tea. Another benefit of agave nectar is that it is low on the glycemic index, so it won't enter your body all at once and cause you to crash later.
3. Change from margarine to butter. Butter is all natural, unprocessed.
4. Change from table salt to celtic sea salts. You will be adding essential minerals that your body needs.
5. Switch from all purpose white flour to whole wheat flour, or at least go half & half when you bake.
6. Change from overly processed, conventional meats to organic meats that come from grass fed livestock and are free of hormones, antibiotics, and preservatives. You will reduce your body's toxic load.
7. Change from conventional produce (fruits & veggies) to organic. In addition to reducing that toxic load, organic produce has been shown to have a higher nutrient content. Plus it tastes better!
8. Switch from eating excessively refined carbohydrates to pairing complex carbs with protein at each meal and snack. For example, an apple paired with a tbsp. of nut butter. Protein helps you feel fuller longer, improves your mood, and keeps your blood sugar stabolized.
9. Switch from white stuff (bread, pasta, rice...) to whole grains. Foods made with white flour have basically had all the nutrients sucked out of them. Like protein, whole grains help you feel fuller longer and add fiber to your diet, which we all need daily.
10. Switch from candy, chocolate bars, and other sugary treats to dark chocolate. Look for 70% to 90% cocoa. Good quality dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants and minerals, especially magnesium.
Great list! Question about conventional vs. organic fruits/veggies. I do an organic co-op, but have seen that there are certain "clean" and "dirty" items. Do you think we should just stick to the "dirty" items for organic or do all items organic? Is it worth the price for the so-called "clean" fruits/veggies?
ReplyDeletehttp://blog.nutritiondata.com/ndblog/2010/05/where-are-the-pesticides-beyond-the-dirty-dozen.html
ReplyDeleteAmy, this article by one of my favorite nutritionists is about just that! She's very down to earth and informative without being super paranoid about everything.
Thanks Shan! I'll check it out!
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