Don't Forget About Nutrition, Too!

By Donna Stark

Your New Year's resolution was to consume healthier foods but if that didn't include paying more attention to your actual nutritional intake, you may want to set a new one! And fortunately, there is no better time to focus on that than now, during National Nutrition Month! In the next few weeks, take a step away from your busy schedule to reflect on your resolution and think about any changes you can make to achieve your initial goals. Unsure of what else you can do? Take a look at the following tips from your local chiropractors at The Joint Chiropractic.

Choose Color

You've been told over and over again to "eat a rainbow" and you know that means to add colorful foods to your plate. What it doesn't mean, though, is to add artificially-colored items. When you are creating your meals, opt for the natural beauties that came right out of the ground and leave the colorful, processed foods on the grocery store shelf. Tomatoes, bell peppers, carrots, eggplant, broccoli, apples, berries, oranges, and pomegranates are just a few examples of what to buy.

Shop the Perimeter

As you are filling your cart at the store, why don't you try a trick that has been around for ages? Shop for the bulk of your order along the perimeter of the store. Generally, these are the areas that have the healthiest items, such as produce, meat, and dairy. When you do venture inward, shop with discretion and keep moving! The longer you stay in the chip aisle, the more tempted you will become.

Switch What You're Used To

This may be the hardest challenge yet, but you can do it! Substituting your favorite food items for healthier ones could be the missing link if you aren't getting the results you are looking for. Take a look at the following suggestions.

• Avoid salt by cooking with dried spices and herbs
• Replace pasta and white bread with whole-grain versions
• Try brown rice, barley, and quinoa in place of white rice
• Experiment with meatless proteins, such as tofu and lentils
• Stop frying your food and bake, grill, roast, or steam instead
• Infuse your water with cucumbers, berries, lemons, or watermelon

Get the Results You Want

Eating healthier is a great resolution to make, but don't forget about focusing on the actual nutrition you are giving your body too! Use this month to make sure your eating habits are on track so you can reach all the goals you set for yourself. And if you need more guidance, come on in to see your local chiropractors at The Joint Chiropractic!

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Chino Hills, Calif.