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Summer Snacking

I couldn’t figure out why my quest for better health seemed like an uphill battle in the summer when so many fresh foods were so plentiful. I had every good intention of improving my health, but it seemed like everywhere I went, graduation parties, work events, family events, or any potluck or celebration… there was always something “out of the ordinary” which was stopping me from keeping me from sticking to my health goals. Finally, I realized the most valuable lesson on my health journey.  Are you ready for it?  I was the one in control. It was not a matter of circumstance. Until I took control of the food that would be available to me and took personal responsibility for following my health plan and achieving my health goals. I was very familiar with failing at my health goals, but I was not familiar with being responsible for them. This was new to me. Now, because of my incredible success with my health and nutrition, I’m highly driven and committed to being here for you and to help you do the same!

Do you want the key to improving your health? Here it is. Planning. Yes, that’s it!  You must become an active planner in your food choices and availability. As summer brings a lot of socialization, which combined with food, be sure to plan and prepare yourself for healthy food choices so you can stay on target and make forward progress in your health goal!  This sounds good, right?  Now, how do you do that?  Here are a few simple tips!

 

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1) Contribute: Bring a healthy dish to the next gathering you attend!  You and your friends will reap the benefits. I can speak from personal experience here. When I began bringing healthy options to gatherings, many people commented that they were relieved to have healthy options when they were also looking to steer clear of sugary and processed foods.Cheese, fresh fruit, fresh vegetables, and nuts

2) Pack a Snack: If you’re attending an event where you can’t necessarily contribute, be sure to pack a small nutritious snack. I’ve done simple things like pack a Standard Process Bar or a bag of nuts in my purse, and I’ve also packed cut veggies and fruits in a cooler with ice in my car so that I had larger snacks to indulge in while I’m out.

3) Don’t Go Hungry: Eat a healthy meal before you leave so that you don’t find yourself indulging in the unwanted foods around you. Think of your grocery store trips; it’s always easier to stick to the plan when you’re not running on empty.

This summer look for some of the healthier “free foods.” Remember that Free Foods list in your Be Healthy Now book?  The Free Foods List is a list of foods that are low in carbohydrates. If you don’t know your favorites from that list, I highly recommend making yourself familiar with a few and google fun new recipe ideas to use these foods regularly! These are easy snack foods to contribute, pack, or find at most social occasions. Here are some highlights from that list (and they’re easy to pack!).

Veggies:  Celery, cucumbers, mushrooms, olives, radishes, tomatoes

Fruits:  Apricots blueberries, raspberries, strawberries

Nuts:  Almonds, cashews, peanuts, pistachios

Remember, your health is in your hands. Enjoy your summer and all the summer fun of graduation parties, picnics, and social events without undoing your personal health progress!

Yours in Health, 

Dr. Kathleen Voortmann D.C.