Good Food

January 10, 2013 Nechoma Nutrition

GOOD FOOD, GOOD MOOD !!!

Eating foods that provide plenty of nutrients to our bodies really does make us feel better. Food is not LIKE medicine, it IS medicine, but it is even better because there are no side-effects and each one of us is capable of making positive decisions about our eating habits that can seriously affect our well being.

But where do I start?

If you are reading this you have already accomplished the most important first step. Surround yourself with like-minded people who will support you rather than ridicule your efforts.
It makes it easier for the children too if they are not the only ‘weirdoes’ doing this and if they have friends with whom to chat and exchange experiences.

Beginnings are hard, but it does become easier as we become accustomed to the changes.

Don’t expect any instant miracles. These days we want things to happen fast or else we think it is clearly not working. If you try to get healthy too fast it simply won’t last (like that diet!).

Take steps, small moves, but keep moving in the right direction.

Have fun. There is nothing more important than enjoying being well and eating wholesome food. Our attitude really tints our actions. If parents can truly enjoy healthy living, the enthusiasm will be catchy and everyone will want to participate.

Some basics

• Vegetables are our best friends. Can you imagine, the more the merrier! With different colours, textures and tastes, vegetables can never get boring, so get creative and start crunching. Loads of vitamins and minerals are in veggies and plenty of fibre and water too

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• Fruit. There are a huge variety of fruits, really delicious, colourful and sweet. The sugar in fruit is natural and the fibre helps ensure it is processed properly.

• Proteins are our building blocks. Fish, chicken, meat, eggs, beans. All the cells in the body rely on protein to function, especially for growing.

• Carbohydrates are our energy. Choose whole grain, the less our food is processed the more goodness we get from it.

• Treats are for odd occasions. Sounds odd? We have become accustomed to having ‘everything always’, but what is left for special times? Keep a stock of healthy snacks for nibbling; nuts are great, or try rice cakes, corn cakes, for those moments when you need something to pick on.