Monday, May 14, 2012

Simple Switches

Along my journey to become a healthier me, there have been simple switches I have made in what I eat and drink! As much as you work out, run, or crunch your little heart out... you won't see the changes in your body that you want to until you make significant changes in the kitchen. 


So today I give you some easy changes I have made in my diet that have helped me significantly!



  1. From 2% milk to Skim Milk 


Occasionally I drink a glass of milk! and for some reason I can't stomach drinking Almond milk ... I like it in things, but to just drink it is not my cup of tea... or... milk .

Why Switch ?

  • One 8-ounce glass of 2% milk has 5 grams of fat, 3 of which are saturated, 130 calories
  • One 8-ounce glass of skim has 0 grams of fat, 110 calories

    "Might not sound too bad right? But nutritionists say to stay under 20 grams of saturated fat per day, so let’s add this simple lunch to your glass of 2%, after all milk isn’t the only potential source for saturated fat:1 grilled cheese sandwich with two slices of American cheese cooked with one tablespoon of butterThat’s 21 grams of fat, 13 of which are saturated – so that means in just one meal you’re up to 16 grams, doesn’t leave much space for enjoying that slice of pizza with salad later or a cup of creamy broccoli soup."






Every now and then I love to add those handy drink mixes to my water! Well after learning that Crystal Light contains aspartame, I began searching for a natural alternative. Of all places Walmart has their very own brand! This stuff is SO good... and cheaper than Crystal Light, as well as sweetened with stevia. Thumbs up for Wally World. 




3 . Quaker Instant Oats to Moms Best Natural Quick Oats 

Oatmeal is my go to breakfast. It fills you up for several hours to easily fight those mid-morning hunger attacks! When I began changing my diet, I started to realize that the instant oatmeal packets I was eating had too much sugar and 'extras' than I preferred! I searched for an all natural quick oat brand and came across Moms Best at Kroger! 








4. Hershey's Specialty Dark Chocolate to Endangered Species Chocolate  


Okay, so chocolate is my weakness. I LOVE it. When I started eating healthy I knew it wasn't going to be something I cut out entirely. Chocolate can be healthy for you! 







"Scientific research to-date indicates that bittersweet chocolate is high in antioxidants, which have many beneficial effects. It’s a long way between this early research and recommended “dosage” levels, but experts agree that the benefits exist are at the 75%+ cacao level—those milk chocolate bars won’t help a bit.

via. 


Why I love Endangered Species Chocolate ... You can find it at local grocery stores! As much as I love healthy eating, you won't find me at very many specialty stores. If I'm in Ohio, I go to Kroger... if i'm in Alaska it's Fred Meyer or the Commissary! 






5.  From Fruit Juice to Fresh Fruit







It's true, I used to live off of orange, apple and cranberry juice when I first cut out pop! I thought, "hey fruit juice, thats gotta be healthy." ... well, I also could have drink a glass of sugar water. If you really want the nutrients of the fruit, just eat it! My biggest piece of advice-- put down the juice, pick up some water! 






Along the way I have made PLENTY of other changes in my eating habits, but by just showing 5 easy changes hopefully you see that anyone can take a step toward a healthier lifestyle! 

12 comments:

  1. I love this post : ) thanks so much for it! Do you eat meat? I've recently watched "Food, Inc" and was sickened by what they do to animals and the meat. Also, what kinds of things do you like to snack on??

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  2. ahh thank you so much for this post! love it! i've been trying to eat healthier AND do it on a budget, so this post was extremely helpful! Have a great week :)

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  3. Seriously these little changes make THE BIGGEST difference!
    That's how I started my healthy journey!
    Great post, girl :)

    Hope you're enjoying time with your husband!!!

    xo

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  4. Great post! It's amazing what little things can make a huge difference, we switched from 2% to Skim about a year ago too and don't even think twice about it now.

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  5. i need to switch my oatmeal ... but i love those little (sugary) packets! :)

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  6. Great tips! I will have to try WalMart's brand of crystal light. I rarely drink the stuff because it's just as bad as diet soda, but this sounds good :)

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  7. great great tips!!! I need to get that crystal light walmart brand!! my dad LIVES on crystal light so I need to get him to change to this one.. && i gotta switch my oatmeal as well but I also love steal cut oats made on the stove!! :) so yummy.
    thank you for the tips.
    my only question is..what if you home made squeeze orange juice? i live on 4 acres of oranges & every now an than we make oj but i never add anything to it

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  8. Wow! I stopped drinking crystal light a couple of years ago because it was giving me headaches. You don't even know how excited I am to hear about the inexpensive alternative!!! You made my day :)

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  9. Thanks for sharing! Not a lot of people realize the little things they can do to help make their diet better :) I'm slowly changing things to eat healthier.

    Have a great week!

    <3 Jamie

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  10. Thanks for sharing all this! I just bought an entire thing of Crystal Light packets... UGH! Lol! I love how healthy you eat!!!!

    xo

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  11. this is great! i love eating healthy and sometimes we don't even realize how unhealthy our usual products may be. i'm not sure i can do the switch to skim milk though...hah!

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