Add Some Flavor to Your Healthy Diet
By Donna Stark
When it comes to maintaining a healthy diet, most people have a lot of questions about sugar, salt, and how much is too much to consume. They may also think they can no longer enjoy their favorite foods and must live on a diet of plain rice cakes and water, but of course, that isn't true. If you are worried about your health and are trying to cut back on the amount of sugar and salt in your foods, keep reading. Your local chiropractors have some great suggestions that will help sweeten this new journey of yours and add some spice to all your meals.
Keeping Things Sweet
Keeping tabs on how much sugar you consume is one of the most important things you can do to improve your overall health, but let's face it, reducing or eliminating your favorite sweets can be difficult! Fortunately, it's not as hard as you think. Take a look at the following tips.
- Avoid sodas, energy drinks, and artificial fruit juices and drink water instead
- Cut back on the amount of sugar you add to coffee and tea
- Top your oatmeal and cereal with fresh fruit, organic honey, or maple syrup instead of sugar
- When baking, use less sugar than is called for or replace sugar with unsweetened applesauce
- Choose a sugar alternative, such as Stevia, monk fruit, or coconut sugar when baking
- Toss some dates into your smoothies for a natural sweetness
Don't Be Salty
Got a hankering for salty foods, too? A lot of us do, but too much can lead to some serious health issues if you aren't paying attention, so take the time to check out the suggestions below. And don't worry. Your cravings will still be satisfied!
- Read labels and choose packaged and prepared foods carefully
- Make your own salad dressings to control the amount of salt added in
- Replace salt with garlic powder, black pepper, and herbs in your favorite dishes
- Combine lower-sodium versions of food with regular versions
- Try sprinkling your salads, vegetables, and fish with lemon juice instead of salt
- Always taste your food before adding salt
- Request that your meals are made with no added salt when eating out
A Healthier Diet Can Be Flavorful
Rather than focusing on what you are cutting out of your diet, enjoy this new journey of yours by exploring all the different ways you can cook the food you and your family love! You may be surprised by how incredible everything tastes and how quickly your overall well-being improves!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Avondale, Ariz.