Our children can also benefit from eating healthier foods. Healthier eating can become a lifestyle for them early on instead of struggling later in life to make important dietary changes. Surprisingly, it is relatively easy to make small changes in how we eat on a daily basis.
Honey, cinnamon, or maple syrup are healthy food alternatives to refined sugar for sweetening your coffee or tea.
Like your meats cooked or simmered in gravy or mushroom soup then try substituting canned or fresh tomatoes for the soup or gravy. Add some onions, bell pepper and fresh mushrooms and you have a feast fit for a King as well as being heart healthy.
Do you get the desire for something sweet in the evening? Spread peanut butter on your favorite whole grain bread, and top it with sliced bananas and maple syrup to satisfy your sweet tooth. Better yet cut an apple in half, scoop out the core and fill the cavity with crunchy peanut butter.
For children, make snack time fun by drizzling apple slices with honey and then sprinkling them with cinnamon.
A great rule of thumb is to shop the perimeter of the grocery store for as many items as possible. That is where you’ll find healthy food choices such as whole, fresh, vegetables and fruits, dairy products, meats, eggs, and bakery items such as whole grain breads.
The essential nutrients found in healthy foods are those that your body is unable to make on its own. Since essential nutrients work in conjunction with other nutrients, the body benefits by having the variety it needs to function at its very best, which means more energy and vibrant health for you.
Ethnic foods are a great way to eat more healthy food that tastes great. Steamed rice and vegetables topped with roasted or barbecued meats are tasty choices available at most Chinese restaurants. Spice up dinners with a Mexican flair by adding black beans and salsa to brown rice and grilled chicken or beef.
Set the example for your children by eating healthy food yourself. If they see you eating well, they will want to emulate you and do the same. Have fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grain snacks and protein choices easily accessible to them throughout the day so they become accustomed to making good food choices on their own.
Bottled or filtered water and milk are healthier beverage choices than soda or juices that are typically high in refined sugar. Adding fresh lemon juice or essential oils with flavors such as peppermint or tangerine will make drinking water fun too.
Children who learn early in life to eat balanced meals and snack on fresh, whole foods, are less likely to struggle with childhood obesity. They also gain healthy habits that hopefully will last them a lifetime.
Incorporate different methods of cooking such as grilling, roasting or broiling. Use herbs and spices to bring out the flavors of meats and vegetables instead of using heavy oils or sauces.
When cooking Italian, make a rich, robust red sauce with fresh tomatoes and spices from your garden or from your local produce section, instead of a cream-based sauce.
If you and your children eat healthy food, you’ll maintain an optimal weight, have more energy, and will be less likely to encounter physical maladies such as obesity and diabetes.
To find more about healthy food just visit http://www.healthyfood.co.nz/
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