Here’s a New Year’s resolution for you. Be proactive in preventing chronic disease. What’s that mean? That means stop waiting for your doctor to diagnose you with diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, COPD or a myriad of other chronic diseases, and do something to prevent them. Remember Ben Franklin’s famous, ” an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”. Nothing could be said more perfectly, succinctly, and truthfully. And what better adage to follow for 2018.
What you eat plays a huge role in the prevention of chronic diseases. Obviously there is a genetic predisposition for some diseases, but that does NOT mean that because your mother, father, sister, brother or any other family member has one of the diseases I mentioned above that you are DESTINED to become ill with them also. What and how much you eat, your amount of daily exercise, and how much you do or do not smoke are all factors that play a much bigger role in the development of those diseases.
Eating healthy does not have to be difficult. Start by tossing those stale Christmas cookies out, and what’s more important is NOT BUYING ANY MORE! If unhealthy food is not in the house, then you won’t be tempted to eat it! Fill the fridge with vegies that are available this time of year. Cauliflower, broccoli, colorful bell peppers, carrots, celery, and just about any type of winter squash are in the produce section throughout the winter. Chopping up those veggies and making handy snack baggies to take to work or grab out of the fridge for a quick healthy snack is perfect for busy people. Pack small containers of Ranch dressing for dipping which is also great for lunches for the kids. Then use some of those vegies in a warm and healthy soup for the cold days ahead. I’ll publish several ideas for hardy soups in the next few weeks. They are easy, economical, and go a long way to feed a family.
These are just some easy tips to start off your 2018 right. Remember, the most healthy diet is predominantly plant based.
At least half of your plate should consist of some type of vegetables and fruits. The remainder should consist of a lean protein ( chicken breast, lean pork or beef, and any type of fish are examples) and a healthy grain ( brown rice and quinoa are examples). We will discuss more about plating a meal as well as carbohydrates, proteins, and fats in future blogs.
Remember….be Proactive with your health! Happy New Year to You and Your Family. Make 2018 your healthiest year yet, and EAT YOUR VEGIES!
