Healthy Eating 101

Healthy eating can be a tricky topic. What foods are actually healthy and how do we navigate all the different voices we hear out there? I wanted to give you a little summary to help you cut through some of the confusion.

Basically Healthy eating (as I would describe it) comes down to one thing: getting as close to nature as possible. This means whole foods with very few ingredients and additives. Staying away from food with a long ingredient list or names you can't pronounce is one of the best things you can do. Usually if you shop around the perimeter of the grocery store, you're in good shape.

Things can get more complicated when you get into choosing things like organic, non-GMO, grass fed, etc. These terms just refer to the quality of food you're purchasing. You want to buy food with these types of labels as often as possible, but we all know food can get expensive, so just do the best you can within your budget. :)

Here are some high quality food ideas from the major food groups. You can make a well-rounded meal by choosing one thing from each group :)


FATS

While some people say fat is bad for you, the right kind of fat is essential to have in our diets. It actually INCREASES metabolism. Try to find organic if possible :) Here are some examples. Note: Coconut, Ghee and Avocado oil are the best the cook with because they keep their molecular structure under high heat.

-Coconut Oil
-Extra Virgin Olive Oil
-Ghee
-Grass Fed Butter
-Avocado Oil

PROTEIN

I'm going to list all the labels to look for, but again, if you can only find or afford 'organic' as opposed to 'organic, free range,' don't beat yourself up about it. Just do the best you can :)

-Organic, free range chicken (If you don't have those options, try to find antibiotic/hormone free).

-Organic, nitrate free lunch meats (preferably organic)

-Organic, nitrite free bacon (or turkey bacon)

-Wild caught fish

-Organic, plain greek yogurt

-Organic, grass fed cheese

-Organic, nitrate free sausage

-Organic, grass fed beef

-Bone Broth Protein Powder

-Organic, Free Range (or pasture raised) Eggs

-Skip Jack Tuna


GRAINS

Try to choose organic :)

-Quinoa
-Basmati, brown or wild rice
-Buckwheat noodles
-Oats
-Brown rice pasta
-Non GMO polenta
-Sprouted bread 


FRUITS AND VEGGIES

Have fun looking up all the varieties of fruits and veggies out there :) Note: When you ingest the skin of a fruit or vegetable, try to buy organic. If you don't ingest the skin, it's not as crucial.

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Those are the basics! If you focus on these tips, you are well on your way to a VERY healthy lifestyle :)