Common Sense Living

Archive for the ‘Healthy Eating’ Category

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I’m as resistant to commercialized healthy eating as anyone. But I try to taste different things. So, I tried coucous.

The truth of the matter is, I didn’t feel like going to the store. I had stuff to make a spinach salad… and a box of couscous. Other people rave about eating a vegan diet, so I figured what the heck.

I know a lot of people think I eat like that all the time. Yeah, right. If you believe that, you haven’t wandered around Rebel With a Fork

Couscous tasted sort of like bread crumbs. People really eat this? And like it?

I guess that’s why I’m a Rebel With a Fork. There’s no way I’m living on a diet like that.

My boss was thrilled that I ate a donut this morning. She said, “Ha, I found your weak spot!”

I said, “Yeah, that and pepperoni pizza.”

They all think I eat like that all the time. It seems that not many people are willing to believe that you can be thin and healthy without eating bird food. I’ll be working on them, don’t ya know?

At 1PM, the entire office smells like french fries. I may never eat another french fry. But it will take a lot to make me give up fresh pizza

There is one girl who has lost like 70 lbs in the last year, and she is really excited about her progress. Having another person who is resistant to the ordering out everyday will certainly help. I’ve even noticed a couple of other girls bringing lunch more often.

One girl tried to order a healthier choice today. She got a turkey wrap. It turned out to be loaded with both sour cream and ranch dressing. Its really hard when you’re first starting out on a healthier diet, isn’t it?

Besides all the fat, sodium and calories, I shudder to think about how much money some of these girls are spending. It makes me sad to think about how much it could cost them down the road. But you know me – I’ll be trying to change things!

How about you? How are you doing on your healthy eating plan?

Related articles

• Where My Vegans At? (fitsugar.com)
• Buyer Beware: Why Vegan Diets Aren’t Always Healthy (blisstree.com)

Ah yes, the January-February doldrums in the artic. Next week we are going to be plunged back into the deep freeze. UGH.

The Good news is – Every season has its own favorite food traditions. When its so cold outside, turning on the oven is a great idea! Around here, we look forward to the season of home baked cookies.

You’re probably thinking, “That’s not healthy!” 

Let’s clear up a couple things here.

Sugar has been made to be this vilian. Sugar in and of itself is not evil, if it is eaten the way is was intended to be eaten. A little bit as a treat. It is not meant to be sustenance.

If you eat packaged products, you are eating sugar all day long every single day. That is not a good thing.

If you eat packaged products, along with all of the sugars are tons of chemicals that we don’t want to eat.

If you make your own cookies – they have real butter, flour, eggs, sugar, and assorted other ingredients. But you know whats in it.

If you put a couple of home baked cookies in a lunch, its better for you than a lot of things you otherwise might put in a lunch.

Now one of the biggest problems is stopping at just a couple. And that’s just something you need to get better with. Not wanting to waste things, I always felt compelled to eat as much as I could before they went bad.

Guess what? You can put them in the freezer. Then you can just take a couple out at a time. I would even venture to say that they taste even better after they’ve been frozen. I didn’t believe it either, but its true.

But the other cool thing about baking cookies is the bonding that happens. Its probably one of the most magical things you can do.

This is also my favorite time of year for big pots of chili, the chicken brushetta, meat loaf, the Puffy Parmesan broccoli bake, soups…

You can make banana bread, or pumpkin bread to have on hand for breakfasts.

Take advantage of the weather. You’re not going to want to turn the oven on when its 90.

Each season has its own special things to look forward to. Its the spice of life. It keeps you from getting bored!

Try some new stuff this weekend – and keep that oven going!

According to the weather map, the snow should be right on top of us – but its not snowing yet. In my little neck of the woods, we’ve had an unusually unsnowy winter, while everyone is getting pummeled.

If you’re one of hte ones getting hit, I’m sorry. Its just your turn this year

But spring must be coming…

I’ve been getting gardening catlogs for weeks – and now – The Victoria’s Secret Swimsuits! I could use a new suit. How about you?

I know, swimsuits are not on the hit parade for many. Is that your worst nightmare these days? Having to put on a swimsuit?

And how about all that running around, having fun? Are you looking forward to it? Or would you rather hide inside?

Isn’t it time to get up and start living your life?

Most of my daughter’s friend’s parents are 10 – 15 years younger than me. She’s always saying that none of them have as much energy as I do. When’s the last time you went sledding?

She complains that nobody wants to do anything but sit around in front of the TV.

Is that living?

Heck, according to the Aztecs, we only have one year left. Why not make it a good one?

Stop eating the stuff that’s robbing you of your health and energy and leaving you not wanting to wear a swimsuit.

Start eating foods that will give you health and energy now so you can enjoy this summer.

Think about all the fun you used to have. What’s stopping you?

Here’s how to fix it >>>

 Your Christmas Gift Coupon Expires on Christmas Day. Maybe you’ve been putting it off…

But you could be using it today to - 

• Come up with fast delicious dinner ideas

• Create delicious food gifts that people will love

• Stay healthy through the winter

• Lose weight, even now

• Have more energy

• Feel better

• Look better

I don’t know what better gift you could get!

Don’t put it off. Go get your Christmas Gift now and start putting it to use today.

Good health is priceless.

by Jon Benson

One of the biggest myths out there is the myth that eating healthy costs too much.

Just the opposite… and I’ll prove it to you in three ways.

#1: Cash

Here’s some sample figures courtesy of my friend Scott Tousignant’s fitness blog…

2 medium size sweet potatoes $1 or… small fries from a fast food joint

2 red peppers $1 or… a can of pop

Bowl of oatmeal with fruit & protein powder $2 or… large bag of chips

6 Chicken Breasts $10 or… a sub combo from a fast food joint

18 eggs $3.50 or… a burger from a fast food joint

2 salmon fillets $15 or… large pizza

Loaded chicken salad (homemade) $3 or… bag of cookies

Large bag of oatmeal $3.50 or… 4 chocolate bars

Not much of a comparison, it is?

Yet the foods on the left would feed a family of two or more for 4-7 days… the foods on the right? 2-3 days if you live through it.

Tips to make the most expensive part of eating healthy — the cost of quality meats — go further include…

1. Use tofu fillers in chicken and beef recipes. Even if you hate tofu, you can barely taste the difference when combined properly.

2. Buy your meats in bulk online. You can find less expensive grass-fed beef and naturally-raised chicken and have it delivered to you if you live near a large city. If not, check the local farmers.

3. Eat meat only 3-4 times per week and use black beans with rice or inexpensive tuna for your other days. I eat tuna cooked in a skillet with lots of veggies and some olive oil almost every night and I LOVE the taste!

My book The Every Other Day Diet has over 40 pages of recipes in it to help you eat healthy and cheap… and you can still eat out and consume your favorite foods several times per week.

#2: Your Health

Do we ‘really’ need to talk about buy new (usually larger) clothes every year or two? Or about the health care costs associated with being even 20 pounds over your ideal weight, let alone more? How about the time you miss from work with excessive colds?

Eating healthy and taking care of your body adds years to your life… and for the record, the years eating poorly takes away from your life, on average, costs each American over 80,000 in medical expenses.

Want to add that to your food budget?

#3: The Big Picture

Anyone who has been fit knows the joy it brings… the freedom you feel from wearing whatever you want… the productivity you see from increased energy… the pace at which you move during the day.

Not only are these gifts priceless, but they are also massive cash-savers. Your productivity alone can add thousands to your bottom line each year, well off-setting any costs associated with eating quality food.

The Bottom Line…

Like any good accountant would suggest, you need to look at your ROI (return on investment) if nothing else.

What does investing in a better body, greater health, and vibrant energy do for your life? How can that actually translate into more income AND less expense?

You will be surprised.

Remember:
Don’t Quit. Get Fit!

P.S. If you want some tips on getting started with shedding that excess weight… go here for a short video… and prepare to take some notes! …

it’s freee….

Weight Loss Tips < — click.here

Carole’s note -

I agree with everything here – except the tofu. Stay away from all unfermented soy products.

It’s true that being healthy and having tons of energy is a wonderful feeling that most people are missing out on. And you’re missing out on really good food. Once you start eating good food, you’ll wonder why anyone would want to eat the garbage that passes for food these days. Find out how easy it is to make great food that’s good for you!