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Today, we are excited to share some awesome tips with you about what to eat to achieve a more optimal state of health. Please know that these are tips, and as usual if you have any health challenges, before making any changes to your diet and lifestyle, please consult with your health care provider.
With that said, here are my favorite tips about how to make better choices when eating….
My favorite tip of all when it comes to mindful eating is to fill your plate at every meal with mostly vegetables. I am suggesting that your plate be filled with about 75% vegetables, and the more colorful and the more variety the better. If you get in the habit of eating a salad or vegetables that are raw, baked or grilled with every meal, you will be amazed at how much this change will make in terms of your overall health. If this goal seems impossible to you right now, and you’d like an alternative option, consider adding a Greens mix to your daily routine.
Next, consider eliminating processed and packaged foods from your diet entirely or as much as possible. The more whole foods you eat the better! When grocery shopping stick to the perimeter of the grocery store, as this is where your whole foods generally hang out. Check out our grocery list for options - http://debanddavestrauss.com/2019/06/10/grocery-list-for-a-healthier-you/
Another mindful eating tip is to consume a healthy protein option every 3-4 hrs. Some healthy options include, lean meats preferably organic, grass-fed or pasture raised, eggs preferably pasture raised, sprouted beans and lentils, raw nuts (almonds, pistachios), seeds (pumpkin, chia), wild caught fish, spinach, spirulina, low sugar Greek yogurt, or a high quality protein powder source.
Next, consider making low glycemic food choices by removing all refined flours and sugars. Artificial sugars should be avoided whenever possible as well. If ever you find yourself craving something sweet, some low glycemic options include, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, a few apple slices or pear slices, and one of my all time favorites is a piece or two of organic and low sugar dark chocolate.
Lastly, remember that we often mistake hunger for thirst. I can not emphasize enough how important hydration is for you! SO, before eating a meal or a snack, make a mental note of how much water you have had to drink so far. As a general rule, you should be drinking at least half of your body weight in ounces of water. This means that if you weigh 150 lbs, you should drink at least 75 ounces of water per day. You will most likely need to hydrate more on warmer days, on days that you are more active and on days that you perspire more, such as workout days.
Additionally, if you are a coffee or tea drinker, you may benefit from additional water as well.
Well, there you have it! A few things to remember and consider when on a journey to better health. We didn’t master these tips all at once, so save some grace for yourself. But even if you pick one or two tips and start there, you’ll find yourself feeling better in no time. You can add more healthy options as you go for an even better outcome.
And with that, we wish you a healthy and happy journey as you achieve the BEST and healthiest version of YOU!
With much love and health always!
Dave and Deb ❤️ 🙏