The amount of information that is available to us on a daily basis is absolutely incredible, isn't it? I mean think about all the different ways you can consume content on any given day. There are websites, apps, social media, podcasts, books and the list goes on and on. A simple Google search will render you millions of results for just one query.
With all the information out there, you would think it would be easy to navigate being "healthy." But, all this information ultimately lands us in a state of confusion and overwhelm versus clarity we all seek. For years I have been following many blogs, health coaches, and different nutritional programs. I learned a lot from each source, but unfortunately I also found lots of contradictions and was usually left with more questions than answers.
One of the reasons I wanted to pursue health coaching is that I wanted to truly understand all that goes into "good health" and make my own educated choices. I wanted to stop jumping on and off the latest diet or fad. I wanted to find a sustainable and realistic lifestyle that will ultimately lead to great health on the inside and outside.
Now, I'm definitely not there yet, but I am learning and quickly I might add. I promised that I would I would bring you along on my journey, so I wanted to share these three simple ideas with you. I hope they inspire you to take even the smallest steps towards better health.
Three simple tips you can implement now for better health:
1. Go back to basics. Yep, I said these were going to be simple. Stop overthinking what the latest super food is, or what the best protein powder might be and start thinking about what your favorite vegetable is instead. Think about sourcing food that doesn't come in a box and that is not highly processed. Try filling your plate with fruits and vegetables, quality protein sources and healthy fats. Try to limit foods with lots of added sugars. Two easy ways to do this are:
Shop the outside perimeters of the grocery store where fresh produce, meat, and dairy tend to be.
Start reading food labels. If you can't pronounce an ingredient or don't know what it is, put it back on the shelf.
2. Try the crowding out method: instead of thinking about all of the unhealthy food you shouldn't eat, think about all the amazing healthy food you should be eating and focus on that. Crowding out is all about what new healthy items you can add to your diet that will satisfy you and that will ultimately leave you wanting less of the "bad stuff."
3. Drink more water! Sometimes we're reaching for food when our body is actually just thirsty. There are a number of amazing reasons to drink more (check out my recent post) Here are a few ways to incorporate more water:
Before you eat or drink anything in the morning drink a minimum of 16 ounces to re-hydrate your body.
Try adding natural flavoring to your water - lemon slices, lime slices, cucumbers, berries - the options are endless.
Eat your water. Choose fruits and veggies that have a high water content such as watermelon, grapes, strawberries, peaches. A Google search will give you lots of ideas :)
Friends, as we step into the weekend and many of us start our grocery lists, I hope you will think about incorporating some of these simple tips. If you do, let me know how it goes :)
Blessings!
Jenna