Replace the Bad with the Good

When trying to enhance your life and health I have always heard that it is essential to replace the bad with the good, but what exactly does that mean??

It is difficult to change a way we have always eaten but in order to live healthier there are some sacrifices to be made. We are very fortunate that we have many alternatives to choose from. For instance, when I decided to become a vegetarian over 2 decades ago it was very difficult. I was limited to rice, beans, and salads. Now, there are meat alternatives as well as dairy alternatives, which make it a bit easier…now the hard part is making the change..

When looking at your daily diet, do you find yourself drinking more than 1 cup of coffee a day?? Start by limiting your coffee intake. Instead of 3 cups, reduce to 2 than to 1; everything in moderation. It will be much easier to succeed in replacing the bad if you do things slowly. Once you have reduced your intake, than you can choose decaeffinated coffee or try herbal teas. This is not an all or nothing technique, but you will reap the benefits in the long run.

Now how about your intake of water?? Yes, water!! Our bodies are made up of over 80% water. Although we can survive days without food, we can not survive without water. It is recommended that we drink at least 8 cups of water daily or more… It is true that you can replace water with other fluids, but be careful not to replace with soft-drinks, liquor or coffee. You will not be getting the appropriate amount of liquids but will be adding extra sugars and other additives that our bodies do not need. So, start with 8 cups of water. It is not difficult, fill up a hand held jug and carry it with you. Water is essential to remove the many toxins within our bodies.

How about breakfast?? Do we all eat breakfast? Unfortunately, not many do, although it is the most important meal of the day. If you are not a big morning eater, you can get away with a slice a toast with margarine or a piece of fruit or even some yogurt or a muffin. Your brain and body need energy to function, and the energy is in the form of food. Without it, we will not function to our optimum and will be famished around noon time and then eat foods and drinks that are not considered ‘good’ choices.

I will leave you with these few thoughts to ponder.. I will continue the ‘Replacing the Bad with the Good’ topic and tackle the snacks that we eat and how we can still snack but choice ‘good’ snacks and not ones with empty calories.

Until next time..

~Dr. Mommy

Tagged as: diet, Health, moderation, salads, soft-drinks, toxins, weight loss