Do you often wonder how to make the healthiest food choices? Sometimes, the list of “what NOT to eat” seems a bit daunting. Hormones, GMOs, refined foods, additives . . . the list goes on and on! Here are some quick basics:
Eat Whatever You Want If You . . .
Cooked it Yourself. When you cook, you know exactly what’s going in your food. You can even eat all the junk food you want if you cook it yourself! What? For example, hamburgers and fries are much healthier if you choose grass-fed beef, whole grain buns, and organic potatoes, sliced thick and baked in the oven! Cooking is not only healthy for your body; it is good for your family dynamic. Kids that learn to cook healthy foods in healthy ways grow up to be adults that cook.
Bought it Fresh at the Farmer’s Market. No, we do not mean the kettle corn, either! Talk to the people selling fresh fruits and vegetables, eggs and meats. Find out where the food was grown and what methods were used. You may find that a small local farmer might not be able to get organic certification, but refrains from using pesticides and synthetic fertilizers.
Consult Your Gut. Which foods “feel good” to you and your family? Which foods seem to cause gastrointestinal distress or heartburn? Does your child get sniffles when he eats dairy ice cream? Do you know when to stop eating? Paying attention to all these “gut” reactions requires you to slow down and observe, which also improves digestion! Consulting your gut lets you know which foods you and your family can splurge on.
It’s Not Food If It . . .
. . . doesn’t rot.
. . . was made in a place where everyone wears a surgical cap.
. . . arrived through the window of your car.
. . . is called the same thing in every language (think: Big Mac, Cheetos or YooHoo!).
. . . was not cooked by humans.
Remember: If it came from a plant, eat it. If it was made in a plant, DON’T eat it!
As you can see, good nutrition can be pretty simple if we stick to some basic rules!
