The holidays are coming, which means everyone will indulge in tasty dishes and snacks for the upcoming period. Even though that’s expected and fine, being cautious with your consumption and minding what’s on your plate is a great way to keep yourself in check.
The period around the holidays is often marked by coziness and comfort, and when there’s that, the treats and snacks follow. If you’ve been feeling let down by this year, then you know the importance of letting loose and treating yourself with something nice. However, taking care of your health is also essential, especially during the holidays. So for that reason, here are some useful tips that will help you “detox” your organism, after the festive period.
First, what is processed food?
Processed food is all around us: in every corner shop, and on each supermarket aisle. Since it’s easy to get and often cheap, that means many people are choosing it, for these reasons alone. Processed food differs from its original form. For example, apple sauce is different from a fresh apple, mainly due to high amounts of sugar and other artificial additives. The opposite of processed foods is whole foods, a healthy and nutritious alternative that is definitely better for you. Consuming processed foods regularly can lead to diseases such as type 2 diabetes and heart diseases.
How to stop eating this way?
The easiest way to stop eating processed foods is to be more organized and discipline when it comes to food preparation and grocery shopping. Cooking your own meals gives you better control of the ingredients and spices, while shopping carefully gives you the reigns when it comes to filling your grocery cart. This might require some effort, but it’s the only way that will help you change your diet for the better.
Where to find whole foods?
Now that we know those whole foods are all those goods free from additional processing, it’s time to start looking for them. Many supermarkets have “healthy” or “organic” aisles and corners that offer whole foods free from additives and artificial ingredients. If you want to be extra sure, then it’s best to shop at farmers’ markets and from small businesses, as they often pay more attention to their products.
Cooking with whole foods
Whole foods are more free-range and organically made, cooking them is often a better and more fulfilling experience. Chicken is always a good place to start, as it’s a versatile type of meat that goes well with many vegetables, rice, and potatoes. However, not all chicken parts are equally delicious. Some claim that chicken wings are bad for you, but that isn’t true. They can be tasty and nutritious, just make sure to stay away from sweet sauces, as they’re full of hidden carbs and not-so-hidden sugar. When preparing whole foods, it’s important to pay attention to the cooking temperature and be careful with oils and spices, especially if you want your food to have its original rich taste.
Day-to-day useful tips and tricks
All of that might seem complicated at first, but once you get the gist of it, you won’t look back. Maybe cooking isn’t your priority, and in that case, it’s still essential to eat out less, because restaurants and fast food joints often use too much grease and additives that aren’t good for you. Also, if you feel like snacking, make sure to eat a piece of fruit, rather than candies or chocolate. If you love having a cup of drink next to you, then it’s better to opt for water or unsweetened herbal teas. In case you love planning meals in advance, then creating a meal plan can help you choose the best dishes for you and your family.
Switching your unhealthy foods with healthier options is a sure way to detox from processed foods and feel better and more energetic.
Remember to allow yourself treats
Changing your diet can be stressful at times, especially if you’re doing it in midst of the holiday season. Therefore, rather than being too strict, make sure to give room for some treats as well. Allowing yourself to eat snacks once or twice a week won’t harm you in the long run, as you’ll feel like you have control. However, don’t forget to eat in moderation, in order to avoid feeling overstuffed and bloated.
In conclusion
Detox from unhealthy foods is a great motivation to improve your lifestyle, if only temporarily. Remember that you’re free to eat anything you want, but also, make sure to learn about different foods and if you’re out shopping, don’t forget to read the food labels as well. Being informed is crucial because companies that make such unhealthy processed foods rely on the public lack of knowledge and awareness. Therefore, make sure to learn about unhealthy ingredients, but also give yourself some room to enjoy treats from time to time. That will help you feel balanced, satisfied, and healthy