Want to make some diet changes? These two simple steps to a healthier diet will make a big difference on you and your family’s health.
The question I get the most is “how do I start… being more natural, eating healthier, making diet changes?”
I’ve got two simple tips that will help you do just that. These two small changes will make a BIG difference on your and your family’s health.
1. Change up your fats
Bottom line: Do not cook with any liquid oil. The only fats we want to use when cooking are saturated, including coconut oil or animal fat (butter, ghee, beef tallow, etc.).
The liquid vegetable oils are unsaturated, delicate fats that are highly susceptible to rancidity and can’t withstand heat. Furthermore, the majority of these oils are high in omega 6 fats which can lead to inflammation and a whole host of negative consequences as a result.
The only liquid fats you want to consume are olive and flaxseed oil eaten only raw and in moderation. Saturated fats, on the other hand, can tolerate high heat, are stable due to their molecular structure, and can be eaten liberally (within reason, of course).
2. Swap out your sugar
Do not use refined sugars, such as white sugar, brown sugar, dextrose, high fructose corn syrup, etc. These sugars are devoid of minerals and actually considered antinutrients, because your body needs to use up precious resources to digest them. Instead, replace these refined sugars with natural sugars like raw honey, real maple syrup, and of course, the best natural sugar of all, ripe fruit, which is loaded with antioxidants and minerals.
So, by following these two simple steps, you’ll be making a positive impact on your and your family’s health. Simple, but not easy. Because if you search the grocery store shelves, most processed and packaged foods contain either one of these bad fats or sugars. But this is a GOOD thing, because we then have to replace these convenience foods with more whole grains and produce. With that in mind, these two simple steps actually have a ripple effect on your entire diet!
Consider this…
Now, I believe in the 80/20 rule. If 80 percent of the time, you are refraining from these bad fats and refined sugars, then I wouldn’t worry about the rest. This isn’t about fully and completely depriving yourself. Instead, it’s about making smart choices that can improve your overall health.
That means… If you want to get popcorn at the movies, go for it. Or feel free to eat the occasional treat when out and about.
Though you want to make good choices as often as possible, you don’t want to become so rigid that it affects your social life and leaves you feeling resentful. That will only end up backfiring, as it isn’t a realistic goal—especially if you’re just easing into this new lifestyle.
Start simple. Start in the home. Clean up your pantry and your fridge, and invest in some high quality fats and sugars. If you do this, you’ll be well on your way to improving your diet and, in turn, your health.
How about YOU? What are your tips for healthy eating?
