Less is better

Have you ever read the food label on the food that you eat?  Can you pronounce everything on the list?  Does the list contain food coloring, hydrogenated oils, artificial sweeteners and/or something with the word sodium in it?   Have you ever tried eating foods with only one ingredient in them.  It is really not that difficult, it may take a couple extra minutes to prepare but it is well worth it and probably much cheaper and definitely healthier than buying pre-packaged food.  Let me give you a few examples:

• Instead of eating the little packages of oatmeal in the morning that have brown sugar or whatever added in, buy plain oatmeal and add in your own ingredients.  Cinnamon, walnuts, sliced bananas or even a few raisins are great choices. And they all have only one ingredient in them!  If you take them to work and eat there–no problem, just pre-package your own in a little Tupperware or glass bowl.
• Instead of buying the packaged yogurt cups, buy a large tub of plain yogurt and add your own fruit in it.
• Instead of buying marinated meat or fish–marinate it yourself with low sodium spices, oil, salsa, lemon or low sodium sauces.
• Instead of buying lunch meat–buy a turkey breast and slice it yourself or buy a roasted chicken.
• Instead of buying boxed rice with the flavor packets–buy plain rice and add your own healthy spices.
• Instead of eating bread as your carbohydrate; try rice, quiona, pasta or couscous.

Eating one ingredient foods will give your body what it needs without all of the extra additives that it does not need.  In the previous weeks, we have educated you on the danger of artificial sweeteners and too much sodium and the importance of healthy spices.  Use this information to make healthy snacks and meals for you and your family –no boxes are required! If you need a refresher course–look up any of the past blog posts in our tips of the week category.

Start a few healthy habits that will cost you less but be better for you!

Beginning in 2011–every week we will either do an exercise of the week, nutrition tip or a “dog” book review.

Thanks for reading and we hope that we have educated you to lead a healthier life!