We are surrounded by fast food restaurants and processed items all day long. We are bombarded by advertisements in every form, constantly keeping food at the forefront of our brains. With so many temptations just an arm's length or phone call away, I can't deny that it is hard to make healthy food choices. Hard, however, does not mean impossible. If you are ever struggling with deciding between a Poptart or a piece of fresh fruit, hopefully these little reminders will make your decision easier.
When you eat well, you feel good: The saying "you are what you eat" is true. The food you eat is your fuel, and what you put in your body determines how it functions. Those Chick-Fil-A minis with waffle fries taste good, but the grease that goes along with it will slow your body down. Ever notice how energized and fresh you feel after eating fruit, fresh meat, or some vegetables? No food coma, no feelings of lethargy, no upset stomachs. If you put clean food into your body, it will return the favor by making you feel strong and healthy.
Dessert is a treat, so treat it like one: The definition of the word treat is “an event or item that is out of the ordinary and gives great pleasure." With that definition, it follows that dessert does not need to be an everyday occurrence. If you refrain from dessert sometimes, it will make it that much more satisfying and special when you do eat it. Sometimes, when you had a really bad day, something rich and chocolaty is all that will make you feel better, so go ahead, make that night a dessert night. Just try to keep treats a treat.
A healthy fridge promotes healthy choices: If you stock your fridge with healthy snacks, you will be forced to make healthy choices. Try and stay on the outer rim at the grocery store. It is where the fresh, unprocessed food items are, like meat, fruits, and vegetables.
You have self-control, use it: I acknowledge that this is easier said than done, but its important to be aware of the fact that you are the only one who can make decisions for you. If you try, it is easy to find healthy items on almost every menu or dining location. It can hard to say no to the deliciously unhealthy meal when it is so easily available, but in the long run, making healthier overall choices is the smarter move. Sometimes, those cheesy bread sticks sound absolutely divine and that jar of Ben and Jerry’s is staring you right in the face, but take a minute and think before you buy. If you can go 30 minutes and your desire for the food has subsided, then you just saved your body from all the unnecessary fats and sugars found in these kinds of processed foods. If you still cannot get that food out of your head after 30 minutes, then go ahead, treat yourself. Once again, indulging once in a while is perfectly okay, but if you indulge every night, it no longer is a treat, but a habit. Make these indulgences special occasions, not routine.
Healthy choices are just that: choices. At the end of the day, you are in charge of what you put into your body, so eat what will make you feel best, mentally and physically.
