A kick-start to eating right.

Want to get healthy but not sure where to start? Let me help! One of the things that will help you out the most in trying to be healthy is learning to cook. Even those of you that say you can’t- it just takes some practice and spending some time on Youtube tutorials. Don’t sweat it. But some basic skills in the kitchen will allow you to create much more than just Ramen Noodles and Kraft Macaroni and Cheese! And when you cook, you’ve got to keep it stocked with a few basics.

First of all, throw out your butter, Crisco, and lard and replace it with heart healthy olive oil. Also, spices are absolutely essential. Oregano, basil, cumin, red pepper flakes, chili powder, garlic powder, Tony’s seasoning, curry powder, salt, and pepper are the spices I use the most. To create exciting, flavorful meals, spices are the key.Another necessity? Fresh produce. Now before you say, “I can’t afford it!” Hear me out. The key is to REPLACE. Stop buying things like potato chips, cigarettes and Little Debbie cakes, replace it with fresh fruits and veggies and trust me. Your body will thank you immensely, and your health is worth it. It’s all about priority, and I don’t know about you, but living a long life free of prescription medicine and hospital bills is a heck of a priority.  

Something else that deserves to be in the trash and not your body is refined white bread. It’s devoid of nutrition, flavorless, wimpy, soft, and essentially turns into a paste in your stomach. Gross! However, a full grain bread such as Ezekiel bread (in the freezer section) or a 15 grain bread is crunchy, flavorful, and can  hold up to a sandwich while providing countless health benefits. Wean your way off of white bread by building up to whole grain with other lighter breads if need be- but for your health,  I really think it's necessary to throw out the white bread. 

  So what are the types of things I love to eat? One of my favorites is black bean burgers.  For one can of black beans at around $1, you can make about 3 or 4 burgers without the fat, grease, and growth hormones of beef! (Plus not having to deal with raw meat is always nice!) All you have to do is mash them up, mix some bread crumbs, a little flour, and some spices such as cumin, salt/pepper, red pepper flakes, and whatever else you want, form them into patties, and pan-fry them in about 1 tbs. olive oil on medium high heat for about 5 minutes until they’re browned on both sides. I eat them with my whole grain bread as a bun, and top with fresh avocado slices and spinach, or ketchup with curry powder. I love these because they’re so customizable, delicious, and are very filling as well!   Another quick and easy lunch idea? Put some oomph in to a blah PB&J with peanut butter and jelly wraps. I spread some natural peanut butter (the Fresh Market makes some amazing fresh peanut butter right in the store that is not too expensive and is super yummy!) and some natural jam or fruit spread on a whole grain tortilla, and roll it up. Pack that up with a banana and you’ve got a filling, portable, and delicious lunch!  You can always spruce up Italian  night with some whole grain pasta, and adding your own sautéed, fresh veggies to a pasta sauce or make your own!  Put some oregano, basil, garlic salt, and pepper in a shallow dish and add some olive oil and you’ve got a lovely dipping sauce for some whole grain bread! 

For snacks- munch on fruit- spreading peanut or almond butter on a banana or apple is a nutritious and extremely energizing snack that's healthy and delicious. Or of course hummus with veggies is another great option.

  When you feed your body right, it helps in all areas. It prevents cancer and disease, your energy skyrockets, (no need for a midday nap=more productivity in your day!), you can be more focused in class, your skin and hair looks better, you lose weight- and the list goes on. Now nobody’s perfect- and being healthy is a journey.  But if you determine to get healthy, it’s the best decision you will ever make, I promise.