Satisfy Your Cravings the Healthy Way
By Donna Stark
Wouldn't it be nice if we could eat whatever we wanted without any consequences? If we could "live to eat" instead of "eat to live?" Well, nothing is stopping you from indulging in your favorite foods all the time, but if you are aiming for optimal wellness and are hoping to live a long, healthy life, that certainly isn't the smartest of decisions. Certain foods need to be kept to a minimum in your diet, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy the things you love. You just have to eat smarter. Take a look at the following tips on how to satisfy your cravings without putting your health completely at risk.
Swapping the Good for the Bad
There are plenty of substitutions you can make that will reduce some of the unhealthy components found in foods but won't reduce any of the flavors you have come to love. Here are some examples.
- Greek yogurt for sour cream
- Popcorn for potato chips
- Quinoa for rice
- Coconut water for energy drinks
- Ground turkey for ground beef
- Olive oil for butter
- Red wine for mixed cocktails
- Lemon and vinegar for salad dressing
- Walnuts for croutons
Making Smart Decisions at Restaurants
Restaurants are notorious for bad decisions, but you can stay a step ahead of the consequences by being smart. Here are some suggestions that can make ordering a lot easier.
- Research the menu before you go
- Skip the basket of bread
- Pick items that are grilled, broiled, or steamed over those that are fried
- Go family-style and share entrees
- Select water for your beverage
Go ahead and Cheat
Fighting daily temptations and maintaining ultimate will-power is exhausting! So give yourself a break and enjoy a cheat day here or there. It's easier to maintain a healthy diet if you don't restrict everything that you love, and by picking a day where you can relax and enjoy your favorite foods in moderation, you will be able to keep your motivation in high gear.
Eat the Real Stuff
If you do allow yourself a cheat day, treat yourself with the real stuff! Choosing a lighter or altered version of the food you love, may end up leaving you completely unsatisfied. As a result, you may end up eating more than you would have if you just ate the real deal from the very beginning.
Satisfy Your Cravings the Healthy Way
There are many things that we all like to do and indulging in our favorite foods is one of them, but putting on extra pounds and risking our health is not! So stay on top of the foods you consume with the tips above and continue on the path to optimal health and wellness!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Acworth, Ga.