I am finding that I am an “oddball”. Of course, people who know me well are nodding their heads and saying ‘duh! You just realized that?!’ So, let me be more specific: I love to cook. I am not a great cook and I am not a gourmet cook, but I can recognize and smash a good, healthy recipe once in a while. However, at times I feel a little old-fashioned because I have found that cooking seems to have become a rarity. As I have talked with people about making healthier choices, I have encountered fewer and fewer who actually cook for their families. Most of them think they are cooking, but are really just ‘warming things up’. Please don’t think I am being critical-I was once part of this group! (And, I still am, occasionally.) Unfortunately, our current culture of fast paced, busyness has discouraged families from making the better choice. So, when I begin talking to a client about their diet (remember, everyone is on a diet!) the initial hurdle is frequently the issue of food preparation. They usually want my advice as to which shakes, protein bars, cereals, or low-calorie frozen meals are the ‘best’. My answer: None of them.
Now, I quickly follow that response with a “But…”-and explain that these choices are good for emergencies- only. Your cabinets should not be filled with boxes and bags of even the low-cal, fat- free products. Your freezer should not be filled with ‘Smart Ones’ (they aren’t) or ‘Lean Cuisines’. You have to commit to changing the way you prepare the foods you eat, in addition to the commitment to making healthier choices of what you eat if you want to develop eating habits that will benefit you for the rest of your life. And that is the point, right? We are ‘Making better choices for a healthier lifestyle’-forever.
Simple, healthy food choices
This can be quite a hurdle for many, and unfortunately for some, it is the deal- breaker. They can’t or won’t commit to the task (or even the idea) of having to spend the time planning, shopping, prepping and cooking healthier food. If this is you, please reconsider! I want to help you discover that this is not an unsurmountable task. There are lots of ideas, tools and resources that can make this easier for you. This is an attainable goal and it is inextricably tied to your overall, long-term health and wellness. If this is not you-and you are someone who believes you are making good choices about what you eat and how you prepare it-please stick around! Most of us think we eat healthier than what we actually do! So I may have some helpful suggestions for you, too.
I will follow this (teaser) article with a few others that I hope will convince all of you to look at the food you prepare and eat differently, and will give you the encouragement you need to discover your ‘inner chef’! I look forward to helping you “make better choices for a healthier lifestyle”-until next time, be well!
Your Best Fitness Friend
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