Hey there, fellow foodie! Let me take you on a little journey through my recent culinary transformation.
I’ve always had a sweet tooth and a love affair with food, but life threw a bit of a curveball when my mom was diagnosed with cancer. Suddenly, food became more than just delicious — it was about healing, too. Our family switched gears, aiming to fill the table with nutrient-packed goodies to help her fight back! But let’s be real: Letting go of tempting treats isn’t exactly a walk in the park for anyone (especially if your weakness is a gooey chocolate cake!).
Erica and her parents are determined to support her mom’s body with nutritious food following her cancer diagnosis.
Figuring out how to shift your food mindset can feel like trying to climb a mountain with flip-flops on. You’ll need to start seeing food as not just a comfort on a lazy Sunday, but as a powerhouse for your body. Yes, life’s a whirlwind, and fast food drive-thru lines sometimes call our name (guilty as charged!). But learning about what’s actually in our meals can make a world of difference down the road.
Imagine your diet as a colorful rainbow, with fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean proteins — those all-star foods you keep hearing about. Antioxidant-rich goodies like berries and leafy greens are not just Instagram-worthy; they’re like little warriors against free radicals. Toss in some omega-3s from fish like salmon, and your body will thank you. And don’t sleep on spices like turmeric and garlic — both come with anti-inflammatory perks!
Ever felt like a bloated balloon after munching on something greasy or overly sweet? Those food comas are no joke. Indulgent foods might taste great in the moment, but they’re also filled with nasties like sugar, salt, and artificial additives that can lead to bloat and even inflammation.
Figuring out what makes you feel “meh” and what lifts you up can change your food game completely. It’s time to channel your inner detective. Keep a food journal with notes on what you eat and how you feel afterward to pinpoint which foods are keeping you from feeling your best.
Our gut is the epicenter of our well-being, according to health experts like Dr. Bhavna Vaidya-Tank. She’s all about healing from the inside out with a plant-based diet. Focusing on gut health can do wonders, she says, potentially helping you shake off pesky ailments and feel more energized!
We all need to eat more veggies, so up your grocery game! Supporting local farms not only ensures you get clean veggies and fruits, but it also helps keep small farms alive. We have incredible local farmers markets! And if you’re not big on lugging bags around, services like Farm Fresh To You bring the farm to your front door. Say hello to organic goodness delivered!
For healthy meals on the go, Clean Eatz has become a popular family spot.
Speaking of trendy health fixes, have you heard about hydrogen water? It’s popping up everywhere from gyms to online stores, often hailed as the new hydration hero! Some say it boosts the immune system and battles inflammation with its antioxidant mojo. And you won’t even notice it’s different from regular water. Keep an eye out for more studies on its benefits.
Juicing has totally taken over my mom’s daily routine, and I’m on the bandwagon too, trading in sugary bottled juices for something a bit healthier for my kiddos. But let me tell you, getting them to try it can be a bit of a “yuck” fest. Experimenting with different combos is a learning process for everyone involved.
Real talk: Foods do no good if your kids won’t eat them. And if yours are like mine, they would probably marry chicken nuggets if they could, so family-friendly options are essential. Enter Clean Eatz! It’s our go-to spot for tasty, healthy meals that don’t make you miss greasy fast food.
Remember, it’s all about baby steps and balance. You don’t need to ditch everything overnight unless, of course, it’s a health emergency. I still enjoy dinner dates with my girlfriends — but now I have the knowledge to make better choices.
Do you have a healthy recipe or food combo you swear by? @EricaDeLong
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