Helpful Nutrition Hints
Over the last two years I have done a lot of talking about my diet and how strict it is, but I understand that not everyone is ready to commit to the way I eat. Here's my grocery list! For you guys, I wanted to give you some helpful nutritional hints. My desire is to help you reduce, or eliminate, highly processed items. Consuming a product as close to its natural state as possible can help improve health, contribute to weight-loss, and increase body functionality.
The Beverages
I think it goes without saying that drinks like sports drinks, energy drinks, sodas, and sweet tea aren’t good for you across the board for a variety of reasons. Yes, I am picking on soda and sweet tea -- these types of drinks are loaded with sugar and additives that can be damaging!
Instead of one of these unhealthy beverages, try fruit-infused sparkling water. The sparkling water will give the bubbly sensation you are looking for and the fruit will provide that sweetness you are craving.
Fact to ponder: Just because it says “diet” or “zero calorie” DOES NOT actually mean it’s good for you!!
The Sweetness
Many of us see coffee as one of life’s essentials, I mean it’s up there with food and water, right? But drinking it black isn’t an option for everyone. So, what then? In this realm, you really can’t escape the trap of sugary goodness of processed sweeteners. However, you can reduce the amount of chemicals you consume. Here’s a list of alternatives.
Instead of Splenda, Sweet ‘n low, or Equal; try Stevia, which is a plant-based artificial sweetener.
Idealy, drinking your coffee black would be the best option.
Oils (Not for your vehicle)
I know we weren’t all raised the same way, but growing-up Grandma always kept plenty of oil in the house. You never knew when you were going to need to bake, fry, or grease something up. I never gave this much thought; I always assumed that there were only cheap and expensive oils. Having been on this journey has taught me that the real distinction is between unhealthy and healthy oils. And it is not true that the healthy oils are always more expensive.
Instead of Canola, Vegetable, or Corn Oils; try using Extra Virgin Olive Oil or Virgin Coconut Oil.
Fact to ponder: Have you ever seen a Canola plant? Nope, you haven’t. CANOLA stands for Canadian Oil Low-Acid.
Flour
Speaking of products used during baking, flour. How many people thought the only differences in flour were between self-rising and all-purpose? If you said, yes. Then you are in the same boat I used to be in.
Instead of Bleached Flour; try using Unbleached Whole Wheat Flour.
Flour is bleached to give it that nice white color that we have all grown to expect. Taking the bleaching process out of it and then looking for only whole wheat or whole grain flours are two ways of cutting two different processes from its production. The color change will not affect the taste.
Salad Dressing
YUM! Most folks like a little salad with their dressing, right? Reducing the amount of dressing on a salad alone can help shed a few pounds over a year’s time, but if you really want to make a big difference just move away from traditional dressings altogether.
Instead of pouring Ranch, Thousand Island, or Italian dressings on your salads; try using Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Vinegar or a Balsamic Vinaigrette for your salads.
Something else I have found to be very delicious on salad is a squeeze of lime or lemon juice. That usually punches up the taste real nicely, especially when mixed with some olive oil.
As you continue on your journey I hope these nutritional hints help along the way.
Joshua "Bubba" Wade
No Fluff. All Buff.
Fitness. Wellness. Lifestyle.
Be sure to follow me on Social Media!
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