There is so much hype out there on taking healthy eating to the extreme.  We’re forced to believe that if we don’t make dehydrated pulp crackers, add goji berries, hemp hearts and bee pollen to everything we eat or own a super duper blender such as a Vitamix we are never going to be healthy.  Yes, I admit that I am a sucker for the “super foods” and consider my Vitamix a beloved member of the family…  However, you DON’T need these things to start living a healthier life!  Start small and don’t get overwhelmed by all the hype.

Follow these simple steps to improve your nutrition:

1. Drink more water.  Choose water over sugar laden beverages.  A general rule of thumb is to drink ½ your body weight in ounces.  For example; if you weigh 150 lbs, drink 75 ounces (~9 cups) per day.
2. Bulk up on fiber to keep you full all day long.  Aim for 25-30 grams of fiber per day.  Make half your plate vegetables at meals and reach for fruit for snacks.
3. Just say NO to white processed foods such as refined sugar, white flour and white rice.  These foods lack nutrients and send your blood sugars soaring.  Instead, opt for whole grains such as brown rice, whole wheat sprouted bread and quinoa.
4. Cut out processed meat products such as salami, hot dogs, ham and sausage.  I’m not going to lie, these foods are evil!  I know nothing says summer like the smell of dogs roasting on the grill.  Don’t worry, you can enjoy them every once in a while (if you have to) but please don’t eat them on a regular basis!

These little changes will add up and your body will thank you!  Before you know it you’ll be grabbing for that bottle of kombucha, making kale chips and purchasing a juicer

For any questions on this topic or other nutritional concerns contact me at www.beginwithinnutrition.com