Here's an important tip, never go shopping on an empty stomach - you are going to want to buy every snack and fatty food in sight! It is very hard to resist unhealthy foods when you are hungry. Save money and eat healthy by checking the weekly advertisements for grocery sales. Incorporate the sale items (only healthy ones) into your meal planning and get a double benefit.
Most of us have a vague idea of the food pyramid and the guidelines for eating healthy. Make sure to stock up on fresh vegetables and fruits, dairy products, whole grains, fish, beans, nuts, lean meats and poultry. Make certain the menu for the week is well rounded to cover all the food groups each day. Place a greater emphasis on fruits and vegetables in the daily diet.
Why not spice up your diet by becoming adventurous and trying new fruits and vegetables along with new recipes. Organic food is good because of the lack of pesticides; however, it may not be economical for everyone's budget.
Parents need to try every trick in the book to get children to eat healthier foods including more fruits and vegetables. Encourage children to try various dishes tempting them away from the all-time favorite macaroni and cheese with a treat they will enjoy.
Spice Up Your Healthy Cooking
The fundamental principle of healthy cooking is to make it as interesting as possible with plenty of vegetables and spices. There is no limit to how creative you can get in your cooking, and cooking healthy meals does not have to become a tedious task. Adding spices to your food is not all about adding flavor to dishes; it is about ensuring good health and wellbeing.
Spices offer a wide variety of health benefits including protection against various inflammatory diseases, control of blood sugar, act as antioxidants, lend assistance in controlling weight and prevent heart ailments. Either directly or indirectly, spices help to optimize good health.
The following information will serve as a guide to help you understand the intrinsic value of adding spices to healthy cooking.
Cinnamon is a sweet spice often used to add zest to desserts. This sweet spice is rich in iron, fiber, calcium and manganese, each with its own health benefits. Cinnamon also has antioxidant properties that can protect human cells against cell-destroying free radicals. Extensive research has shown that cinnamon may also be effective in regulating blood sugar and lowering cholesterol levels. Cinnamon contains eugenol, a compound that helps to relieve pain and improve blood circulation.
Cumin is a Mediterranean spice that has proved to be a good source of iron. Cumin is believed to help lower blood glucose with its anti-glycation properties. It is known to have a high concentration of antioxidants