8.23.2011
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9.6.2009
Foods we are avoiding that we should be eating!
I have to laugh when people tell me they don't eat Pineapple, or they don't eat carrots.."too much sugar, and too many calories". Or when people say they don't eat nuts or avocados.."too much fat". I can say with confidence that the reason so many people are over weight in this country is NOT b/c of too many carrots or too many handfuls of nuts. The culprit of obesity has consistently been processed and/or fried foods, as well as high sugar beverages. This is the stuff that clogs arteries and packs on the pounds.
The problem is when people hear about these extreme diets, they are told to stay away from the higher sugar veggies. Or stay away from the snacks that are naturally higher in fat. However, these extreme diets rarely result in lifestyle change and long-term weight loss. I can't stress enough that if we all started snacking on fresh fruits and veggies(yes, even carrots and sugar snap peas), along with a handful of nuts, we would be in much better shape.
I always have baby carrots and sugar snap peas in the fridge. They are easy to just grab and go. And the fact that they are a little sweeter makes them that much more satisfying. Another favorite of mine is peanut butter or almond butter spread on an apple or a banana. Spreading mashed avocado on whole grain bread with some salsa is a tasty quick lunch...and NO the avocado will not make you fat. Obviously I am not saying you can eat TONS of this stuff and not gain weight..we should not be eating tons of anything! But, when people have the more satisfying, healthy snacks in the house, better decisions are made.
Keep fruit around..if the only type of fruit you like is Pineapple, then eat it! Don't worry about the sugar content. If the alternative is you not eating any fruit, that is bad! So, we have said it before, and we will say it again: Create a diet that is MOSTLY made up of whole grains, fruits, veggies, and lean proteins. And hey, when you go out to dinner or have friends over, relax a little. But when you are eating at home or packing your lunch, make the best decisions you can. Have this stuff in the house.
Trust me, it is worth it!
-J
The problem is when people hear about these extreme diets, they are told to stay away from the higher sugar veggies. Or stay away from the snacks that are naturally higher in fat. However, these extreme diets rarely result in lifestyle change and long-term weight loss. I can't stress enough that if we all started snacking on fresh fruits and veggies(yes, even carrots and sugar snap peas), along with a handful of nuts, we would be in much better shape.
I always have baby carrots and sugar snap peas in the fridge. They are easy to just grab and go. And the fact that they are a little sweeter makes them that much more satisfying. Another favorite of mine is peanut butter or almond butter spread on an apple or a banana. Spreading mashed avocado on whole grain bread with some salsa is a tasty quick lunch...and NO the avocado will not make you fat. Obviously I am not saying you can eat TONS of this stuff and not gain weight..we should not be eating tons of anything! But, when people have the more satisfying, healthy snacks in the house, better decisions are made.
Keep fruit around..if the only type of fruit you like is Pineapple, then eat it! Don't worry about the sugar content. If the alternative is you not eating any fruit, that is bad! So, we have said it before, and we will say it again: Create a diet that is MOSTLY made up of whole grains, fruits, veggies, and lean proteins. And hey, when you go out to dinner or have friends over, relax a little. But when you are eating at home or packing your lunch, make the best decisions you can. Have this stuff in the house.
Trust me, it is worth it!
-J
