"Spotlight On" Healthy Food VS Diet Food

Healthy Food VS Diet Food

Over the course of my journey I've made great head way into accepting that food is fuel for my body. Just like gas is fuel for my car. Sounds simple, right? Ah, if only life was that easy.

I'm certainly no "superwoman" and admittedly adore food. Good food - cheese, chocolate, wine, the list goes on. Sitting down and enjoying a wonderfully prepared meal with a loved one is one of my favorite things to do!

However; like most people, my weightloss routine started off with trying to get the most "bang" for my buck. Whether its calories or points that you're tallying, more for less almost always seems better, doesn't it? Diet sodas, fat free cheese slices, 100 calorie packs of my favorite treats, all there at the grocery store just waiting for me. They were great at first, helping me to stay on track and getting me through tough social situations.

But then curious me started wondering just what was in those foods. So I did some research online and started reading the OTHER part of the label - The Ingrediant List. WOW! Most of those lists were long and had too many words that I couldn't prononce. Those dieter's "dream foods" were just full of chemicals, empty calories and had miniscule nutritional value.

My journey to becoming healthy was just that, one of Health. Chemicals and empty calories do absolutely nothing to properly fuel and energize my body. While those above mentioned foods may be low calorie/low point they are by no means healthy.

Healthy is eating a variety of foods from all the food groups. Carbs aren't your worst nightmare, just choose complex carbs - whole grain over white - brown rice, whole wheat pasta & bread, quiona, oatmeal, couscous etc. Load up on the fruits and veggies, they provide you with tons of essential vitamins and minerals, not to mention fiber! Lean meats, beans, nuts and lentils are all wonderful sources of protein. Cheese, milk, yogort, I'll go back to what they teach you in school - they keep your bones and nails strong! :)

So next time you go to a restaurant and feel deprived because you "can't" have the breaded, deep fried wings and potato skins, chose to feel "empowered!" Take pride in the fact that ordering the grilled chicken and garden salad will provide your body with the nutrients it needs, instead of simple carbs that will only spike your blood sugar and transfats that can increase your LDL "bad" cholesterol levels.

Eat clean, unprocessed foods most of the time, (along with the occassional indulgence), and your body will thank you!

Just something to think about. :)

Feel free to discuss this topic over at the forum!

Lynn
http://www.lifehealthfitness.ca