Easy Changes for a Healthier Diet

By Donna Stark 

There really isn't any shortcut to optimal health and wellness. If you want it, you have to work for it, and that includes making sure you are committed to eating a nutritious diet. Your diet is key in regards to how you feel every single day, and if you aren't feeling that great, it's time to take a hard look at what you are consuming. Many people who think they are eating healthily actually have serious issues with their diet and you may be making the same mistakes as they are. But don't worry! These issues may become serious over time but that doesn't mean they can't be easily addressed right now! Here are a couple of changes you can make to your diet that will help you feel and look better in the long run.

Artificial Sugars and Sweeteners

Keeping track of how much sugar you consume is vital if you want to maintain a healthy lifestyle, especially if you've been diagnosed with diabetes or pre-diabetes. Artificial sugars and sweeteners offer nothing but empty calories, weight gain, and spikes in your blood glucose levels, so try to cut back as much as you can and look for alternative options that are natural.

Carbonated Beverages and Juice

Sure, we all like a tall refreshing glass of soda or juice, but those fizzy bubbles and sweeter than sweet beverages just aren't worth the empty calories and sugars that end up in our body. Try replacing those choices with healthier options, such as infused water and green tea. You may even be surprised by how many pounds you can lose by doing so!

White Food

This may be hard, but it's such a good change to make! Head on over to your pantry and replace all of the white ingredients you have with brown ones. Things to look for are bread, rice, flour, sugar, and pasta. Either finish them up or donate them to a good cause and then start buying whole-grain substitutions the next time you are in the grocery store!

Processed Foods

Nobody is going to challenge the convenience of processed foods, but that convenience is going to be long gone once your health starts to deteriorate! So stop buying them! Instead, start cooking more with fresh, whole, natural foods. And if you don't have a lot of time to spare, meal prep at the beginning of the week or join a meal delivery club. There are so many ways that you can eat healthier by creating your own, personal conveniences.

Healthy Diet, Healthier Life

Committing to a healthy diet definitely calls for sacrifice but most of the bad things on the list above are actually quite easy to replace. By making just a few small changes and eliminating the stuff that isn't good for you anyway, you'll quickly be on your way to better health and a better life!

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