Now that the Holidays are long gone and you are having nightmarish flashbacks of overindulging in all-you-can-eat, mouthwatering assortments of Holiday food and drink (or maybe one too many afternoons at Grumpy's), “LOSE WEIGHT” might have been at the top of your New Year’s resolutions list. How about switching things up this year and instead making your top resolution, “GET HEALTHY”?
Here are a few simple (You know, the easy, old-fashioned ones your mom used to harp on!), healthy eating resolutions from this blogger to start off working toward a healthier lifestyle.
Eat Breakfast Every Morning
We know, you’re busy. And we understand that as you rush out the door in the morning, it’s easy to skip breakfast (a.k.a. the most important meal of the day). Even if you aren’t hungry yet, your body will thank you later for eating. Breakfast gives you optimum energy and brainpower to face whatever the day might bring you. When you skip breakfast, your metabolism slows down. As a result, your body thinks you are starving and makes up for the lack of food by going into fat-storing mode the next time you do eat. Even an on-the-go breakfast is better than no breakfast. (Besides how are you going to enjoy your afternoon Nordic ski or enjoy those powder turns on Baldy when you have nothing in the tank?!) If you’re in a rush, I always love a yogurt with fruit and granola, pre-made hard-boiled eggs with toast are super easy or, if you are having a super hectic week, try one of these healthy muffin recipes .
Pack Healthy Snacks
Like any good Boy Scout, the best way to stay healthy is to be prepared. And packing healthy snacks is an excellent step in that direction. So next time you are craving those gummy bears or tater tots from Apple’s, reach into your pre-packed hoard of healthy snacks and enjoy! Some of the best pre-packed snacks are nuts, fruit or maybe even a Sun Valley Bar.
Cook at Home More, Eat Out Less
Boiling, grilling, steaming or baking are some of the healthiest ways to cook. But if you are like me, you’d rather have someone else (perhaps the cooks at the Pioneer Saloon or Sushi on Second) prepare your meals so you don’t have to spend hours slaving away in the kitchen. And since there are so many awesome restaurants in this town, my guess is, like me, you probably eat out a lot. Unfortunately, eating out isn’t usually the healthiest option. In reality you’re more likely to eat healthier at home than you are going out. That’s because when you make your own food, you control what goes into it. Don’t worry. Cooking at home doesn’t have to be a pain, I promise it is easier than you think, and leftovers are always a bonus. As a bonus, we are so lucky here in Idaho to have great fresh local produce at our markets and from the ever-bountiful, Idaho’s Bounty. And if you are hoping to make it even easier, check out the healthy blog, "Get Off Your Tush and Cook" for some easy-to-make recipes.
Add More Vegetables to Your Diet
Unless you live under a rock, you know vegetables contain loads of vitamins and minerals essential to a healthy lifestyle. Most of us don’t get enough of these though. The recommended daily dose of vegetables is 5-6 servings, or 2-1/2 to 3 cups. Tips to sneak more vegetables into your diet? Have them washed, sliced and ready-to-eat at all times, so they’re easy to grab for a snack; make them a required ingredient in every dish; and eat them first during a meal so you don’t get full and leave them on your plate.
Eat Every 2-3 Hours
Think eating three times a day is enough? Think again. You should be eating all day long. Your body runs on food and is burning it up for energy throughout your day. Your body needs you to feed it more, rather than less. Keep it happy and have a snack in between breakfast, lunch and dinner. Some healthy choices are mozzarella string cheese, self-seasoned popcorn, fruits and veggies. For more creative options, take a look at the health blog Family Fresh Cooking. And let’s be honest, who isn’t pleased about an opportunity to eat more?
Buy Less Junk Food
See that greasy bag of chips on the shelf? It’s okay to look at it. Take in its alluring packaging. Now walk away. Say no, starting at the grocery store. If there’s unhealthy food in your home, there’s a good chance you’ll eat it. If you buy healthy food, you’ll eat healthy food. It’s as simple as that. Of course, you don’t have to give up chips completely. Look for healthier chips like Terra Vegetable Chips, made with vegetables, and popchips, which are popped instead of fried or baked. They’re just as yummy and addicting and will satisfy any chip craving.
And now that you are feeling healthier and probably happier, you might even ski faster, hike longer and enjoy those mountains in our backyard a little more.
“If you have health, you probably will be happy, and if you have health and happiness, you have all the wealth you need, even if it is not all you want.” –Elbert Hubbard
