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One of my health and wellness goals this year is to adopt a healthier diet.
I’ll admit I’m a junk food junkie. I love it all! The chips, the fast food (some not all), the sugary drinks (although I don’t drink a lot of it), and even the candy when I get a strong craving for it. Even though junk food was my first love, I don’t indulge in a lot of it (surprisingly). I never really have and it’s not because I don’t find it tasteful, because obviously I do, but it’s because too much of it does tend to make me sick.
Which I guess can be expected for anyone who indulges in a lot of junk food all the time. However, this year I really want to change up my eating habits.
I want to adopt a healthier diet and replace my cravings for chips of all kind and an endless supply of juice (especially orange juice), with healthier choices, like apples, carrots, and celery juice. As someone who lives in a household where junk food is always present, I knew this was going to be a challenge for me.
However, I am determined to succeed with achieving this goal.
I knew right off the back expanding my choice of foods was going to be a challenge for me. While I do love eating fruits and certain vegetables, I’m not an experimental, curious, or brave eater. I like what I like and that’s it! Which may or may not be hard when trying to adopt a healthier diet.
Thankfully, I have the perfect resources to help me get started with my new healthier diet, and actually commit to it.
Continue reading to learn what these resources are and how you can get a hold of them too!
What’s the deal with the word diet?
First things first, I know that as a society we tend to take apart the word diet. Everyone has a different relationship with it, they identify with the term in a specific way, and it means something different to everyone. And that’s fine.
For me, for this post, and for the purposes of achieving this goal, the word diet will be referred to as the specific intake of nutrition for health and weight management purposes.
While my goal is not to necessary lose weight, I do struggle with maintaining a consistent weight. Some months throughout the year I’m a little bit heavier than I would like to be, other months I’m at a comfortable weight but just don’t necessary feel good in my own skin. With this healthier diet I’m hoping to be able to maintain a healthy weight where I will feel good in my own skin all year round.
The biggest reason for this new diet is to better my overall health. I want to have more energy to be more active during the day. I want that natural glowing skin that not only comes from being happy, but from fueling your body with the right nutrients to support that glow. I also want to learn how to be as kind and loving to my body as I possibly can, and I understand that a big part of that involves the types of foods that I am feeding my body.
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I want in!
If anything, I have talked about up to this point sounds like you then you have come to the right place my friend. I was once told that making a commitment to a healthier lifestyle can be a lonely journey. I don’t want that for us.
So, if you’re looking to adopt a healthier diet and lifestyle know that you will not be alone in doing so. We are going to do this together and, we’re going to start with the types of foods that we consume.
A great resource to use that will help expand your knowledge and experience with trying new foods is the book A Whole New You by Tia Mowry. There are over 100 recipes which will make meal planning a breeze, and includes a 10-day meal plan to help you start your journey. What makes this book so amazing is that it contains healthier recipes for all your favorite comfort foods.
You can learn more this book by clicking here.
Why does the types of foods we consume matter?
The types of foods that we consume plays a very important role in the type of diet and lifestyle you can adopt. For starters, it’s important because different kinds of diets and the lifestyles are very particular about the kinds of foods they consume. Like vegans for example. Vegans don’t consume animal products in their diet. In addition to this there are different levels of what it means to be a vegan or to practice veganism.
That’s not what we’re doing here but it’s an important note to make about the types of food you consume for your healthy diet.
I know for me I wasn’t entirely sure where to start beside increasing my intake of fruits and veggies. However, after doing a little bit of research I’ve discovered 6 types of foods that are a perfect jump starter for adopting a healthier.
The following list are 6 type of foods that are good for your health and can help you jumpstart a healthier diet.
But first…
In addition to the list below of some foods to start consuming for a healthier diet, you might be interested in participating in a 28 Day Rest.
I brought this book/program about 2 years ago and never really committed to it due to the fact that I just wasn’t ready to start eating clean and healthy. The 28 Day Reset is a program that will help you reset your body, discover your food intolerances, and so much more. The best part is that it includes a well in-depth nutrition guide, detailed meal plans, grocery lists, and much more!
I seriously love Cassey (the creator of the 28 Day Reset) and I think she is one of the best online health and fitness coaches around! I swear by all of her workouts and I know this book is the perfect resource for this new journey we are embarking on!
Click here to learn more about the 28 Day Reset! There is also a 28 Day Reset Vegan program.
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6 type foods that are good for your health and jump starting a healthier diet
- Fruits and Berries
I love fruit so I was super relieved to learn this was not an area that I would have to alter in my diet at all!
Apples
They say an apple a day will keep the doctor away and they’re not wrong about that! Apples are rich in dietary fiber, vitamin C, calcium, and potassium. All of these vitamins may help reduce the risk of developing serious health conditions. This includes health conditions such as cancer, hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease.
Bananas
Bananas are high in potassium, protein, and dietary fiber. What makes bananas so good for our health is the potassium in this fruit which helps our muscles contract, keeps our hearts beating regularly, and reduces the effect of sodium on our blood pressure. Bananas also help decrease the chances of developing asthma, cancer, and diabetes. Perhaps the most important function of bananas is the fact that is helps with our digestive system.
Blueberries
Blueberries are very good for our hearts and here’s why. They are packed with antioxidants, and potassium. These berries can lower your risk of heart disease and cancer. Blueberries also work as an anti-inflammatory resource for our bodies. So, consuming this fruit every day is a smart and healthy choice!
- Nuts & Seeds
I’m not a big nut eater, but as part of this new diet and lifestyle, I’m going to try my best to consume more of them.
Almonds
Almonds have lots of healthy fats, fiber, and proteins inside of them. Almonds can assist in lower blood sugar levels, reduced cholesterol levels, and reduce blood pressure. They have also been known to be more filling, leaving you with less food cravings throughout the day. This nut can assist you in losing weight, as well as maintaining a healthy weight.
Chia Seeds
I love chia seeds! I didn’t get on this band wagon until about a year ago and here’s why. Chia seeds are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids. They are high in fiber (which is really all that chia seeds are), and a great source for protein. Chia seeds can assist in a lower risk for obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. In addition to this they support a healthier natural complexion, and an increase in energy.
Walnuts
Walnuts are high in antioxidant activity and omega-3 fats. Walnuts assist in the reduction of inflammation, heart disease, and cancer. These nuts also promote a healthy gut, which honestly, we all want. Walnuts also help support maintaining a healthy weight, and can even help with decreasing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
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- Veggies
I love veggies, well certain ones anyway. Below are some vegetables that I do not eat as often, but am going to try to include more in my diet (and to give myself a more variety of choices).
Bell Peppers
Bell peppers have many vitamins, antioxidants, and even vitamin C. Believe it or not these vegetables have several health benefits including better eye health (who knew?), a reduce risk of chronic diseases, and they assist in the prevention of anemia (the reduction of the ability for blood to carry oxygen). Bell peppers are also a good source of fiber and are made up of may healthy carbs. These include carbs such as glucose and fructose, which is why bell peppers have a slightly sweet taste (do you taste the sweetness?).
Carrots
I haven’t eaten carrots since I was like 12 years old, and to be honest they are not anywhere close to one of my favorite vegetables. However, carrots contain vitamin A, fiber, and you guessed it, they reduce the risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease. When I was younger, I was told to eat my carrots so that I wouldn’t go blind, and while they do not necessarily keep you from going blind, they do help prevent vision loss.
Cucumbers
Cucumbers are low in calories (which everyone wants…right?) and contain many vitamins and minerals. The best part about cucumbers, which is also why I love them so much, is that they are practically water! Cucumbers have a high-water intake which is why they are great for weight loss, maintaining a specific weight, staying hydrated, and your digestive system.
Kale
Not something I’ve yet to fall in love with but I’ve had it a few times. Here’s what I didn’t know about kale, but now do. Kale contains nutrients that help boost your overall well-being. These nutrients include the usual, fiber, antioxidants, calcium, and vitamin K. Kale is also a great source of iron. Kale reduces the risk of cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and even bone health. It is also good for our digestive system.
- Grains
I love rice but if I’m being honest, I’m more of a jasmine rice type of girl. Oats are always a great food to start your day with, and quinoa, it’s something I have yet to try. Read below to find out why they are good for you.
Brown Rice
Brown rice is a whole grain. Whole grains help to improve cholesterol levels, reduce the risk of heart disease, having a stroke, and type 2 diabetes. So basically, when you eat rice go for brown, it’s the healthier choice.
Oats
Oats are one of the healthiest grains on earth. They are a gluten-free whole grain packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. Oats can also assist in weight loss, lower blood sugar levels, and a reduce risk of heart disease.
Quinoa
Quinoa is high in protein and contains a sufficient amount of all nine essential amino acids. It is high in fiber, magnesium, vitamin B, iron, and potassium. Quinoa also curbs hunger, is high in carbs (the good kind), and contributes to healthy blood sugar levels.
- Dark Chocolate
Yes, you read that right, dark chocolate. While I myself am not that big of a chocolate lover (yes, yes, I know) I have heard many times that it is good for you. Well dark chocolate anyways. Dark chocolate has nutrients that positively affect your health. It comes from the seed of the cocoa tree which just so happens to be one of the best sources of antioxidants ever. Dark chocolate has also been known to reduce the risk of heart disease.
- Meats
Fish
Fish (eww, haha) is high in protein and low in fats. They are even high in omega-3 fatty acids. Fish assists in the reduction of heart attacks, strokes, and surprisingly increase the grey matter in the brain, which helps to protect it from age related deterioration. Fish can also assist in treating depression, who knew.
*If you’re not a fish lover or a seafood fanatic for that matter like me, something you can do to help get the health benefits from fish is take fish oil pills. They will literally provide the same health benefits you would receive from eating the actual fish.
Chicken
Chicken supports healthy body weight. This means naturally it can assist in weight loss. Believe it or not chicken is also good for your heart and helps to control homocysteine amino acid levels, which helps prevent cardiovascular disease.
And there you have it! 6 type of foods that are good for your health and are perfect for jump starting a healthier diet.
In a nutshell:
- Eat your fruits and berries
- Nuts are tiring to chew but so good for your health
- Veggies are your friend
- Grains are good for you, especially when they are whole
- Dark chocolate is the exception to the healthy diet rule
- And not all meats are bad.
Talk to you soon love bugs!!
-Xo
Kimora
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