Would you like to improve your diet? You don’t have to do it all at once! While it’s true that some people do make radical changes to their diet, more choose to make gradual changes over a long period of time. The following is a list of tips to help you transition from the Standard American Diet that’s filled with processed foods to a diet that’s more natural. Just choose one tip to try. When you’re ready, add another. If you’re feeling especially confident, add two!
1. Check labels and avoid transfats (partially hydrogenated soybean oil). See link below for a detailed explanation of why transfats are harmful.
2. Choose or bake breads made with whole grains. Read carefully because many breads that appear to be whole wheat actually are not. Avoid white flour in other foods as well.
3. Buy brown rice instead of white. It takes a bit longer to cook but it’s so much better for you!
4. Check labels for high fructose corn syrup. This one is tricky since it’s added to so many beverages and snack foods.
5. Buy more fresh fruits and vegetables. Fill your home with many fresh foods and juices rather than processed foods and beverages. Try fresh veggies and dip for lunch. Serve your family fresh fruit for dessert. Find new ways to incorporate fresh fruits and veggies into your family’s diet. Remember that you want your family to eat food that’s as close to its natural state as possible. Most importantly, be aware of the conventional fruits and vegetables that are the most contaminated with pesticides, and buy organic when possible.
6. Watch out for the cereal aisle. This can actually be one of the unhealthiest in the store! Thankfully, most stores are now carrying more natural options. If you can’t find a healthy cereal you like, try your local health food store. They may have a better variety to choose from. Of course, oatmeal is usually available everywhere, but don’t buy the kind in the packets! They’re filled with additives such as high fructose corn syrup.
7. If you consume meat and dairy, buy organic if possible. Try eating meat less often to offset the cost of buying organic. Remember that you don’t have to be vegetarian to enjoy a few vegetarian meals each week!
8. Read carefully when purchasing snacks and beverages for children. This is so important. Please remember that foods geared towards children are often the worst for them. Stay away from fruit snacks that have artificial dye and high fructose corn syrup. You can get similar snacks online or at a natural foods store. Beware of cereal marketed to children because it often isn’t the healthiest option. Even some granola bars that appear to be healthy actually aren’t. Just flip the box over and read the labels. Finally, always purchase 100% juice or, better yet, give your children water.
9. Cook from scratch. I know this sounds like a lot of work, but it really doesn’t have to be. There are many internet sites devoted to home cooking that can supply you with a recipe in a matter of minutes. Cooking from scratch is cheaper than buying processed foods, and it’s better for your family. If you feel like you’re too busy to cook during the week, try freezer cooking. I’ve included a link at the bottom of this article to help you get started.
10. Don’t be tempted to clip coupons for new products that are highly processed and unhealthy choices for your family. I actually stopped clipping coupons a few years ago because I realized that they were affecting my food choices, leading me to foods that weren’t as nutritious.
It takes longer to shop when you’re reading labels, but it won’t always be that way. In time, you’ll learn which brands you want to buy and which ones to avoid. I hope these tips will serve as a guide for those of you who want to eat healthier but aren’t sure where to start. Remember that it’s perfectly okay to make gradual changes in your diet. By taking baby steps, your family will be more accepting and open to changes in the future.
Top Ten Fruits and Vegetables to Buy Organic
Feed the Freezer: Complete Freezer Cooking Guide