Everyone seems to think that eating healthy is a lot of work. Here you will find great, fast and easy recipes that are really tasty and healthy. In addition you will find a new tip every month about how to cook, how to chop foods, great ingredients and more. You will also find a list of ingredients to keep in your kitchen so you can easily make a fantastic dish out of what you have in the house.
To get you started, here are some general guidelines for eating:
A diet rich in fruits and vegetables is one of the keys. Eight to ten servings per day should be a minimum. Incorporate both raw and cooked vegetables. Remember that leafy green are very rich in minerals and should be at least half of your consumption in this category per day. Both fruits and vegetables are high in fiber which, among other things, helps lower blood cholesterol.
Use fruit consumption as your source of sweets. Fruits such as blueberries, strawberries and raspberries are rich in antioxidants. Avoid processed sugars such as candy, cokes, cakes, etc. These play havoc with your blood sugar levels and will leave you feeling tired and hungry thus consuming more (and poorer choice) foods.
Protein is essential for the production of enzymes and healthy bones. It is important to have a variety of proteins daily; especially starting at breakfast. This sets the metabolism off to a good start for the day. Overeating and tends to happen more when breakfast is not eaten or only contains carbohydrates such as cereal. Ideal choices include eggs, chicken, turkey, fish, legumes, and minimal amounts of grass fed beef.
Dairy is a good source of nutrients, if you are not lactose intolerant, yet should be kept at a minimum. Goat products such as cheese are easier to digest and are lower in fat. Cow products can cause allergic reactions in some people. Watch for a feeling of congestion or indigestion. If these feelings occur from consuming cow cheese and milk, try goat. If it continues, it is best to eliminate dairy from your regular diet.
Good fats are also essential to a healthy body. We need fat to fuel the brain, lubricate joints, and produce hormones. It is best to eat fats naturally occurring in foods such as nuts, avocados and olives. In addition fats such as olive oil, flax seed oil, coconut oil, sunflower oil and primrose oil provide the Essential Fatty Acids needed. Avoid hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated fats at all costs!
Whole grains and legumes provide a good source of energy and fiber. Try quinoa, millet, lentils, and brown rice. The less processed the better. Keep wheat based grains to a minimum, meaning it is best to get your grains whole rather than from bread, pasta, etc.
The other thing that is important is having a healthy balance between foods that are alkaline producing and those that are acid producing. To help you assess the alkalinity and acidity of foods I offer a chart. I suggest that you print it out and keep it handy to assist you in becoming more aware of that aspect of the foods you eat.
