EATING RIGHT

by: Erin Figueroa, Nutritionist

I have never eaten right and i don't feel good in my body. What do i need to do to start eating right and feeling better?

 Deciding to change your eating habits can feel overwhelming.  There is a lot of information readily available about diet and nutrition, so where do you begin?  A good place to start is by replacing processed foods with natural whole foods.  Processed foods are often high in fat, sugar, sodium and contain little if any nutritional value.  These empty calories leave your body unsatisfied and craving more, which often leads to overeating.  This includes most prepackaged food items.  Look on the ingredient labels for refined enriched wheat flour, hydrogenated oils, preservatives and artificial colors or flavors.  Also be wary of long ingredient lists.  Begin by replacing these processed enriched foods, with foods that are as close as possible to their natural form, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.  Some examples of substitutions that you can begin to make are brown rice for white rice, 100% whole grain bread for white bread, fresh or frozen fruit in place of canned fruit. Foods eaten in their natural form have a higher nutrient content as well as a higher fiber content which will help keep you satisfied longer and will help to stabilize your blood sugar.

 Whether you make these dietary adjustments all at once or gradually over time begin celebrating the positive changes you are making for your body.  It may be difficult at first, but once your body gets accustomed to receiving the nourishment it needs from the healthy foods you eat, you will begin to feel better and actually start to crave these nutritious foods.  Although it will take time to see the results you desire, you can begin to feel good about your body with each bite you take, knowing that you are investing in a healthy future.