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It’s Easy to do…..

People who know me would probably describe me as a bit of a health nut 🙂  It is quite apparent that I enjoy food, exercise, nutrition, health, and total body wellness; and have dedicated a good part of my life to these things.  The foods that I eat, I eat to fuel my body so that it works for me at an optimum level. However, many days in my past consisted of horrible food and unhealthy behavior – including vivid memories of multiple daily runs to Taco Bell back in high school.  My mother was (and still is) a fabulous cook and fed us good hearty meals full of whole foods.   Nevertheless, summer days spent at the pool with friends were almost always disrupted with a 2 mile bike ride to the local McDonalds at Fairfax Circle for a Big Mac, fries and a coke.  Although it pains me to admit now, many summers in our Mantua neighborhood were spent this way! 

To say that life and my eating patterns have changed immensely since then would be a somber understatement.  In fact, many times I have heard my 7-year-old daughter telling other people why Bojangles is “really bad for you.”  No, she is not brainwashed, just educated – and yes, the apple does not fall far from the tree. 🙂  I enjoy teaching my kids about healthy foods and the impact that food has on your body. I am proud to say that my kids would rather go eat sushi at our favorite Charlotte restaurant than order a happy meal from McDonalds! 

The human body is an amazing machine; and the intricate science behind how it works in relation to the foods we put into it is even more astounding.  Thinking back to anatomy class – it is possible to study anatomy without much chemistry involved; however, understanding the basics of chemistry is essential considering that all bodily functions result from cellular functions, which result from chemical changes. The food, drinks and medicines that we ingest are all chemical based; as are the cells in our bodies, primarily made up of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen.  90% of the human body is made of these four elements.  Have I lost you yet??  In simple terms and you have heard it before – we are what we eat!  

What you may not know about me is how much I love to eat!  I love trying new foods and finding new healthy recipes.  What many many people also do not realize is that healthy food can taste REALLY good!!  A few of my favorite items to cook with are citrus fruits and fresh herbs – fresh rosemary, sage or basil can make all the difference in an otherwise boring recipe.  Lemons, limes and oranges add a boost of mouth-watering flavor to endless dishes!

Along with good whole foods, I also have incorporated Shakeology into my life on a daily basis for about a year and a half now. Many people drink Shakeology for weight loss and it helps significantly.  I drink it for the health benefits and to get those antioxidants, phytonutrients and 70+ ingredients (all derived from whole foods) in my body – again, so my body can work for me at it’s maximum potential.  The biggest change that I noticed after drinking it for just one week was my increased energy level.  That afternoon slump that so many of us experience daily around 2:00, was gone.

My point is that everyone can enjoy good tasting whole foods – you just have to experiment, plan ahead and try some new recipes.  If you don’t like to cook or don’t have time and want something that is super easy, Shakeology may be the option for you. The chart below is an easy way to see how Shakeology compares to other “healthy” shakes on the market. 

If you need some health recipes, let me know!  I would love to share some.  If you want more information on Shakeology, let me know. I can share how it works for me and many other people. Whatever your choice, do me (and yourself) a favor and make it a priority to eat better in 2012!  45% if the country makes New Year’s resolutions. Only 1 in 4 of those people succeed – AND the #1 resolution is weight loss/healthier living. Making healthier food choices is easy to do – it’s also easy not to do. Choose the donut or choose the oatmeal – it’s up to you; but years of choosing the donut will have a significant impact on your health.

 “Life’s most important investment is in you and your health!”