So, 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 type of potluck or celebration… there was always something “out of the ordinary” stopping me from keeping to the healthy food…until. Until I took control of the food that would be available to me and took personal responsibility for my health plan. Now, because of my amazing success, I’m driven and committed to be 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 is often combined with food, be sure to plan and prepare yourself with good 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!
Cheese, fresh fruit, fresh vegetables and nuts
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 looking to steer clear of sugary and processed foods.
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 own favorites from that list, I highly recommend making yourself familiar with a few! These are easy snack foods to contribute, pack, or find at most social occasions. Here are some highlights from that list.
Veggies: celery, cucumbers, mushrooms, olives, radishes, tomatoes
Fruits: apricots blueberries, raspberries, strawberries
Nuts: almonds, cashews, peanuts, pistachios
Remember, your health is in your own 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 and happiness,
Dr. Kathleen Voortmann
by; Kristin R. Clore