Stick With the Basics for a Healthy Diet

By Donna Stark

By now, there are few surprises when the topic of healthy eating comes up, but that doesn't mean you should stop talking about it. It's important to spend some time reviewing the basics that can help set you up for a lifetime of optimal health and wellness. So, let's do that here. Take a look at the following tips from your local chiropractors at The Joint Chiropractic on how to ensure you and your loved ones are eating as healthily as you can.

Don't Buy It

Want a really easy tip on how to eat cleaner? Stop buying foods that are bad for your health! Remember, you can't eat what's not in your home, so leave the sweet treats, sodas, and processed foods at the store. And for the items left in your home? If they are unopened, donate them! Otherwise, throw the garbage in the trash or finish what's left and refuse to buy it again.

Replace the Bad With the Good

Now that you are standing in your pantry and tossing the bad out, make sure you are replacing what you get rid of with healthier alternatives. But be careful! A lot of items that look healthy really aren't, so you need great discernment when reading the labels. Of course, you can always stick with whole, natural foods if you are unsure of what to look for. Lean proteins, heart-healthy fats, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, seeds, and nuts are good items to keep in your home.

Drink Your Water

Quick! Take a look around you. Do you have a bottle or glass of water sitting nearby? If not, do something about it because proper hydration is key to optimal health and wellness. And don't worry if you don't like drinking water. There are plenty of ways to spruce it up. Try adding citrus, berries, mint leaves, or cucumbers to enhance the flavor.

Avoid Eating Out

Most items at your favorite restaurants are full of empty calories, fat, sugar, and salt. And even though you can always ask for specific substitutes, sometimes, that still doesn't increase the nutritional value by much. So, rather than eating food that you don't have any control over, why don't you just cook at home? It may require more planning and work, but it will seriously impact your overall well-being for the good.

Stick With the Basics

There's a reason why so many people stick with the basics ... they work! So, don't try to reinvent the wheel when it comes to healthy eating. Just commit to building a healthy foundation and watch how much your overall health and wellness improve. You may be surprised.

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Wheaton, Ill.