As the world has evolved over the years, so have our food choices. There are new and exciting options everyday, but really the basics are all we need. Getting reacquainted with the tried and true staples of a healthy lifestyle can open up a whole new world of choices for dieters who have lost touch.
From the Ground Up
There is no food more basic than one that comes from the earth. Packed with vitamins and minerals, fruits and vegetables provide healthy, long lasting energy the way nature intended for it to be delivered. Fresh, sweet fruits provide a nutritious alternative to ‘empty calorie’ snacking, and vegetables can be deliciously prepared in a variety of ways. Beans also come in extensive varieties and are an excellent source of protein.
Tip: Eat colorful! Colorful fruits and vegetables have the most nutritional value. Try replacing snacks with fruit and building meals around vegetables. Try new things, no one wants to eat broccoli every single night! Experimenting with new foods will leave you with endless choices.
Eat Like a Bird
Nuts and seeds provide excellent sources of not only vitamins and minerals, but also heart healthy fats. Contrary to the negative connotation of the word ‘fat’, our bodies actually need fat to live. Nuts, such as almonds and peanuts, provide a tasty source of unsaturated fats that are proven to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol.
Tip: Nuts are a great snack option because you can keep them anywhere. Keep them in your desk drawer at work, keep them in the pantry, and keep them in your bag or car. When your body says it is time for a snack, but your schedule wont let you stop, grab a handful of nuts. Not only will the protein and calories tide you over, but you will be helping your heart too. Be sure to watch your portion control, as a serving size of nuts is just about one handful.
The Last Word
Ever search for the ingredient list on food products? Most people have been taught to look at flashy packaging, or maybe even the nutritional contents. But if we truly want to eat natural and get back to basics, we need to examine the ingredients. Look for real, basic foods on ingredient lists. If the words get too complicated to understand, the food is probably not a great choice.
Very few of us eat with the sole intention of nourishing our body. However, the essential purpose of food is most definitely to nourish our bodies. Food is meant to deliver energy, along with essential vitamins and minerals necessary for bodily functions. Getting back to basic, real foods can truly help you reach your fruition.
