Simple Secrets to Better Health (Eating Better)

With the New Year comes a breath of change and new life for many. There are always many changes made...or attempted...which stem from the infamous "New Year's resolutions". Among the various goals we make, there is one that nearly ALL Americans attempt to commit to yearly..... You guessed it: "Weight Loss." One of the keys to accomplishing this resolution is to change our diet; the quality and amount of food and fuel we put into our bodies. Unfortunately, polls repeatedly show that "weight loss" is the number one New Year's resolution made (and not kept!). Every year a new "diet" is implemented and every year (for most) a new diet fails. So what seems to be the problem?
Problem #1: The term weight loss implies that you are going to lose something and is negative. When you lose your keys, what do you do? You find them.
Solution: Don't focus on the "losing" weight. In fact, don't weigh yourself. Rather, focus on a healthier lifestyle. Nearly without fail, the weight will come off as a side effect.
Problem #2: The fashion in which "diets" are approached. We go "Cold-Turkey", or vow to never eat certain foods (torture!). Again, the focus is wrong.
Solution: Never focus on what you're NOT going to eat; always focus on what you ARE going to eat. Over time we form habits, which eventually become second nature. Always think slow, constant improvement.
While a "Healthy Lifestyle" includes more than just diet, what food and fuel we put in our bodies proves to be a huge player in the equation of health. The following are realistic and easy-to-do, but also key points to changing your diet for the better:
1. DO NOT stop eating what you're eating. Yes, you read that right. Don't take foods away that you are in the habit of eating. Instead, add foods to your diet (fresh foods, not industrial or processed products). In time the bad foods will weed themselves out.

2. Eat raw fruits or vegetables before you eat any meal or snack. Fruits in the morning (jump start your metabolism) and vegetables more in the afternoon and evening. They contain wonderful digestive enzymes as well as a plethora of other wonderful nutrients. Fruits and veggies should make up 70% of your meals.

3. Drink nothing other than clean water. The only liquid our bodies need to consume is water. If you have the occasional need to indulge in drinking anything else (ie- milk, soda, juice), simply drink some water before drinking whatever you were going to drink.

4. Enjoy your meals. Eat frequent small meals rather than infrequent large meals.

5. Don't shop hungry! The nutritional decisions that determine your health are made at the grocery store. If the "bad" foods don't get purchased...they don't get eaten!

6. NEVER feel guilty about a food choice. Guilt will NEVER serve you well. Evaluate your food choices honestly but without personal character judgment. ALWAYS just look forward to your next meal as a chance to improve your eating habits and your health.

Remember, the goal is HEALTH, not weight loss. Feeling energetic, looking healthy and youthful, and performing optimally are just the natural side effects of improving your diet....and making the realistic changes that will help you stick to your New Years resolution!