Staying Nutritionally Fit Doesn't Have to be Hard
By Stephen R. Farris
November, December, and early January can be tough on folks who are trying to eat healthy and maintain their weight.
November brings us turkey and dressing, and all those sugar-filled desserts. December, pretty much the same thing, except the addition of presents from Santa Claus. January, mainly around the first day of the month -- and a couple of days afterwards -- salty ham, black-eyed peas, cabbage, and other somewhat healthy, but probably not, foods to eat.
Then there's February. We forgot that month. You know. The big football game to end the pro football season. Chips, dips, beer, sodas, and all that "good" stuff.
What is one to do with all these temptations? For starters, you might try some of these tips to get you back on track.
Stop Eating Out
Sorry to all the fast-food and restaurant workers, but in order for "me/us" to get healthier, we really should stop eating out so much and focus more on cooking meals at home. This means buying raw vegetables, fresh fruits, and leaner cuts of meat such as poultry and fish, and occasionally, beef. Studies show that people who cook their meals at home at least five times per week are 28 percent less likely to be overweight.
Skip the Junk Food
Skipping the junk food can help you stay within your nutritional goals, and you could actually drop more pounds without them. Most all junk food is highly processed and may contain more carbs and hidden sugars, on top of the sugars they already have. So do your best to stay far away from foods and drinks like soda, crackers, chips, cookies, cakes, fast foods, and those never quite cook completely, frozen dinners. Cutting out junk food can also decrease your chances of developing diabetes.
Rethink Your Diet and Shop Regularly
Over-dieting, chronic dieting, whatever the term, could actually do more harm than good. Cutting out all carbs, fats, and other things that are considered "bad" for you from so-called fad diets don't always get it right. There are some carbs and fats that are good for you that could help you lose or maintain weight. Plus, studies show that people who over diet or chronic diet usually end up gaining back what they've lost and more. The best option for a healthier lifestyle is more exercise, eating healthy, and regular visits to your local chiropractor. When cooking at home, always keep your cupboard stocked well with healthy foods. Shop regularly at your local grocery store or farmer's market.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Burnsville, Minn.