You decide you want to eat a little healthier, exercise a little more and maybe even live a little greener. So... you buy more veggies but then don't know what to do with them so they rot in your fridge and you end up throwing them out. Or maybe you end up eating them (reluctantly) but then feel guilty because you didn't buy organic. Then you buy new running shoes but barely make it to the end of your street before you feel like you're going to have a heart attack. Or maybe you spend a couple hundred bucks for the latest exercise program (P90X anyone?) but after a few minutes you end up watching good old Tony do his thing while you drink a Gatorade. It's okay though because you recycle that Gatorade bottle. In fact, you even bought a case of organic energy bars at Costco for this new diet.
I think we're all trying our best. And while we may start off with good intentions I think many us get overwhelmed, feel like we need to revamp our whole life and then end up doing nothing. Well, here's where I think small steps are highly underrated. I think little changes, smart choices, and a whole lot of high fives and pats on the back are just what we need to live a healthier, happier life.
If you want to eat healthier, don't feel like you have to change your entire diet overnight. Here are some simple ideas:
- Start with adding fresher ingredients. Check out your local farmer's market and get some greens. Have fun with it. Feel good about it. You can even ask the farmers for suggestions on how to prepare your new goodies.
- Try adding one more vegetable to your cart and one less processed, packaged snack each time you go to the grocery store. By the end of the month you'll have a bunch of fresh new veggies in your diet and ideally a lot less things you could really live without.
- "Shop the perimeter". I don't know who came up with the term but the concept is fantastic. Basically, you want to spend less time in the middle aisles where items tend to be more processed. Instead, fill your basket with items from the perimeter of the grocery store: fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, seafood and dairy products.
The bottom line - the more opportunities you give yourself to eat fresh whole foods, the more your body will appreciate it. So be good to yourself, one bite at a time.
Kim
