There are few things that are more important to our health and well-being than what we eat and how we digest our food. Having success with managing our weight often have to do with our relationship to food and the food we eat relates to the energy we have to sustain us throughout our day.  In fact the foods that we eat and how we eat them are so important that they have a profound effect upon our health and wellness.

To assist you with getting on track with your diet and naturally increasing your energy, I have created a 6 week plan to help you meet your healthy-eating goals.

Week 1

Rethink your drink. Our bodies crave simple water, not the empty calorie beverages like, soda, iced teas, energy drinks, and coffee concoctions we often drink instead. This first week focus on trimming your consumption of these sugary liquids in half to benefit you in two ways, (1) slashes a ton of calories (2) helps your body to maintain balanced blood sugar. Carry a refillable water bottle or keep a pitcher and glass at your desk. Try adding a slice of lemon, lime or cucumber for a healthy flavored option.

Week 2

Portion your plate. Increase the health quotient of your meals by mentally dividing your plate into three section; ½ vegetables and fruit, ¼ whole grains and ¼ lean meats or seafood. You’ll get more fiber and antioxidants while controlling servings. For a different cooking option for vegetables, try roasting them for a deeper flavor. Experiment with different grains such as couscous and quinoa. Going vegetarian once a week is a nice option as well. The fruits and vegetables provide natural sugar to are bodies that are easier to break down and are more beneficial for our cells to utilize.

Week 3

Learn how to sauté.  Knowing how to do a proper sauté will help cut the amount of fat in your diet. This basic yet versatile cooking technique using high heat with little fat is perfect for prepping veggies, lean meats, poultry and seafood. Adding spices such as cumin, cardamom, coriander, black pepper and turmeric will add a bounty of flavor to the veggies and will also aid in the digestive process. A normal functioning digestive systems keeps the sluggishiness from invading our bodies and zapping our energy.

Week 4

Make your sweet work for you. It is recommended that women should limit their intake of sugar to 6 teaspoons and for men 9 teaspoons per day. It is best to avoid sugar however if a sweetener is needed it is suggested that a natural sweetener be used such as agave, honey, maple syrup, turbinado or stevia. In week 1 you cut back on sugary drinks and this will boost you slightly further with decrease the intake of sugar into your daily diet thus decreasing your caloric intake and naturally increasing your energy.
Week 5

Start a window herb garden. Having fresh herbs handy will help you kick your salt habit, as they add a ton of flavor to home cooked foods. Basil, rosemary, thyme, parsley, dill are some wonderful herbs that are very versatile and easy to grow. The added bonus with this is two fold, you can use these herbs fresh in your cooking or you can dry them out and use them that way in your cooking, also the greenery in your window sill will add a touch of spring into your kitchen.

Week 6

Consume Whole foods that are not processed. The foods we take should be fresh and less processed. The processing of food is well known to devitalize the food thus destroying natural enzymes and depleting important vitamins and minerals. This translates to eating fresh vegetables, no eating of boxed processed or microwaveable foods, no frozen or pre-cooked food and no leftovers. The fresher the food and the more closer it is to its natural state the easier it is for our body to use and the greater benefit it is to our bodies. So go ahead and eat fresh and natural.