joe eats

With the change of the season, I am excited to share with you some “eating” tips as encouragement to keep up your healthy habits! Many of you know I have an interest/knowledge in health and nutrition as well as a background as a dance and yoga teacher. Recently my friend, Nice Polido, owner of Carrboro Raw, and I had a chat about healthy eating as we transition from summer to fall. Here are some of our tips.

STAY HYDRATED

Drink water frequently throughout the day. This helps with weight loss, flushes toxins, and carries nutrients to the cells. Carrying a water bottle will encourage you to drink!

Marney’s tip- I add lemon to my water. Lemon has excellent digestive and detox properties. After lunch/dinner I drink a cup of warm, lemon water. This quenches my appetite and curbs cravings for sweets.

DRINK TEA

I drink a lot of green and white tea, both packed with antioxidants. Studies have shown that tea may help lower fat, fight cancer, and reduce stress. Nice recommended adding hemp milk to tea, a nutritious alternative to dairy, full of essential fatty acids, vitamins and nutrients. She also recommended Cat’s Claw, Pau d’Arco (teas with antiviral properties) as well as Reishi Mushroom Tea. If you need more motivation or think tea is boring, check out Teavana, which offers luxurious, loose leaf tea blends such as Jasmine Tropica, Strawberry Lemonade Pomegranate, Youthberry Wild Orange Blossom, etc. Visit Teavana at your local mall, or on-line at www.teavana.com .

KEEP DRINKING YOUR SMOOTHIES

Smoothies are an excellent source of nutrition, so no need to stop in the colder weather. Nice recommends tossing in warming ingredients such as cinnamon and ginger.

Marney’s tip- I purchase Amazing Grass Chocolate Green SuperFood from Whole Foods. This product has too many benefits to mention- contains “power” alkalizing green ingredients, antioxidant rich fruits, pre and pro biotics and digestive enzymes. Mix this powder in a blender with ½ frozen banana, and almond milk, and you will have a delicious drink with topnotch nutritional benefits!

EAT MORE FAT- THE GOOD KIND

Eating the proper amount of monounsaturated fat (MUFAs) actually contributes to reduced cholesterol levels and weight management. Examples include avocado, nuts, coconut oil and hemp seed oil. Studies have shown that MUFAs found in avocados and nuts help prevent and reduce belly fat distribution.

Marney’s Tip- I add avocado slices to my sandwiches and salads. Also, when I get hungry mid-day, I snack on a handful of almonds. They fill me up, are high in protein, and provide vital nutrients.

EAT MORE FIBER

Eating fiber rich foods helps keep you feeling fuller longer, and in turn helps weight maintenance. Fiber rich foods include fruits (berries, pears, bananas, apples,) veggies (broccoli, brussel sprouts,) nuts and whole grains.

Marney’s tip- I take advantage of apples in the fall and winter. They are my “go-to” if I get hungry. Not only am I getting fiber, apples are packed with high nutritional value, and have no fat, cholesterol or sodium. Also, I go for a whole grain version of the usual rice cakes. Suzie’s Lightly Salted Brown Rice Cakes and Suzie’s Kamut Puffed Cakes are low cal, and delicious with organic peanut butter or cashew butter.

EAT THE SWEET- Well, sort of

After dinner, if you are craving something sweet, don’t deprive yourself. That puts you at risk to raid your entire pantry!

Marney’s tip- Stock up on strawberries and raspberries when on sale and freeze them. Make this an after dinner treat by sprinkling on cinnamon, or pair with a small piece of dark chocolate.

No matter the season, it is important to take care of ourselves, physically, mentally and spiritually. These tips are HABITS that are part of my life. Make them part of yours. Oh, and for me, an added motivation is, regardless of the weather, it is bikini season all year round in my household. Ok, what do you expect? I am married to King Foodie.

Readers, I would love to hear from you. What are your healthy eating tips?

Savor on,

 

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