Start the Year Off Right!

I'm sure I am not alone in having splurged over the holidays;  how about you?  Of course, there are some of you who say, "HA!  I ALWAYS eat things I know I shouldn't!" OK, you too can be included in this conversation!
     How can we get ourselves back in vibrant health and reduce those crazy cravings that keep us coming back for more of the very things that we should avoid? Start out by making a commitment to your health.  Realize that you ARE what you eat and if you want to stay healthy, happy, and full of energy, then you must make your health a priority.
     Secondly, you can begin adding in more of the healthy foods you need like fresh fruits and vegetables.  One of the easiest ways is to start having a salad every day (you can buy the pre-cut ones or go to a salad bar).  Just make sure you don't pour on the creamy dressings.  Vinaigrettes are usually healthier for you.  Have fruit for snacks instead of candy or other sweets.
     Thirdly, you can substitute healthier versions of what you like by reading labels and finding chips, soups, frozen meals, desserts, etc that don't have chemical additives (especially MSG) or hydrogenated oils or words you can't pronounce in the ingredient list. Watch the fat, salt, and sugar content and find the one's that have the lowest quantity of them.  Look at serving size - often there is more than one serving and you end up eating 2 or 3 times more calories than you thought. The key is that fewer ingredients usually means the most natural and least processed or refined.
    Fourthly, to rid yourself of cravings you must go at least 3 days without that substance to get it out of your system.  Agree to fast from sugar or caffeine or what ever it is and stay strong for those 3 days and next thing you know you won't be craving it.  Of course, the idea is that you will now eat healthier foods instead!
     Would you like some help in navigating this new way of eating?  Please sign up TODAY for my 3 class series at the Robinson Nature Center in Columbia, MD.  Here is the link! I hope to see you there. Nutritional Gifts from the Land, Natural Eating for Happier, Healthier Families.