10 ways to eat better

 10 Ways To Eat Better

Everyone asks us how we eat. So today we decided to stop and take a minute to let you guys know the top 10 ten ways we started to eat better and teach our families to do so as well. 

• Eat 30% more whole, unprocessed foods

 Its less of a shock to your system than just jumping in.Plus you're more likely to stick with it.

•  Minimize the fat in that pantry

The more fatty foods you have in the home, the more likely you are to binge eat or say those magic words. Oh, I'll just have one...two...eight...next thing you know the whole bag is gone. Don't allow the not so good food items to be too accessible.

• Love your water bottle

Most of the time when you think your hungry you're really thirsty. Dehydration can lead to over eating, fatigue, headaches, and mood swings and more, in adults and children alike. Carrying your water bottle everywhere (so we have learned being on the road) keeps you aware of your thirst and quenches it. Try it you'll see!

• Shop the outside perimeter of the grocery store

As T says "Thats where all the goodness is". No really, purchasing from the perimeter means your cart will have more fresh ingredients. Why? You have the fruits, veggies ,fresh cut meats and cheese. Your less likely to pick up the more processed foods this way.

• Drink a hot liquid after each meal 

This is a personal practice of ours. It generally makes the meal feel complete. Tea's tend to soothe after a long days work and can calm you before bed. 

• Carry a snack pack for your busy day

Most families will tell you this one practice makes a huge difference. Carry a few apples, bananas, grapes for you and the kids. It's too easy and harmful to pull in to a fast food joint and "fill" up on a burger and fries. Carrying your snacks will save you money and calories to burn later. 

• Incorporate raw foods into your everyday

 Raw foods can be more than just salads and veggie sticks. You will find yourself amazed at the sights,tastes,and fulfillment of raw food. Or just keep it simple and eat a salad or have a smoothie.Find your local Raw Food restaurant and be aware how they change the way you view fruits and veggies. Happy Cow gives a list of restaurant available in your area.

This is a raw desert. See I told you raw food is no joking matter.

• Start a mini garden

Gardens can be big or small, but which ever you choose they can yield great rewards! Maybe start with some onions and lettuce. Two very simple crops that make a world of a difference when in your reach.

• Eat small amounts frequently

We've all been told to eat several small snacks between meals. And we agree. Its never been so clear to us that eating small snacks between your bigger meals keeps you from gorging on the not so good stuff.  Stay away from such heavy meals that make you want to sleep afterwards.

• Drink your veggies

Vegetable juice can be delicious. Try lots of different types of greens with a little carrot and some beets. It'll sweeten it up and you'll still get your greens. Green smoothies can do the trick as well if you don't have a juicer.

Gaby's Story

September 8th 2006 my cell phone rings. I was surprised by the voice on the other end of the line. It was my cousin Mackey. He was best friends with my dad and he has never called me before. I thought he might be calling because it was my 21st birthday. I had just got done getting all dressed up to go out for dinner that night when he delivered the most devastating news of my life. He called to inform me that my father was in the hospital in North Carolina on life support and that my family there was about to "pull the plug".  I had no idea that he was in the hospital in the first place let alone seconds from leaving this earth. I had never been close to my father and to know that he died without me being able to make my peace with him will always haunt me. My father had gone to the hospital the day before for chest pains and other symptoms. The next day he had a massive stroke, two days later he was gone at the age of 56. At that time I was 160 lbs. Three months later I looked back at the pictures from the time when I my father died and noticed a significant weight gain. I thought to myself  "If I don't change my lifestyle I will end up like my dad". He suffered from high blood pressure from eating a S.A.D diet (Standard American Diet). I gained more weight after that point until I really got hold of the combination of eating nutritiously coupled with proper exercise. Now I have the education and the inspiration to live healthy and fit. I have learned from the experience of my father. I believe that he felt that itcouldn't happen to him but it did and can happen to anyone. I have devoted my life to helping others in their quest to as healthy and fit as they can be. This isn't a diabetes story but it was my wake up call. Hopefully reading this will be someone's wake up call rather than living it.

T's Diabetes Story

                   I can remember as a child seeing my grandmother pull a cold vile out of the refrigerator, transfer the contents into a syringe and then take it on tray along with a meal to my grandfather who was sitting on the living room couch. Even though he only had use of one arm he would clean the injection site and put this liquid into his stomach. As a child I really didn't pay it much attention. It was just something that was. Now that I am older I realize that his condition was due to the lifestyle he led. In that day or at least in my family children are never taught that what you eat and how you exercise can become more than just making you obese. The sad reality of it is that it effected more than just him. It was apart of my aunts, uncles, cousins and other grandparents and the people they knew as well. Now seeing my grandmother suffer from diabetes is heartbreaking. She hates needles but has to take insulin three times a day, her vision is diminishing, she can't walk any more or even turn herself in bed. This has led to bed sores that are stubborn about healing and being bed ridden has caused blood clots in her legs. I can remember my grandmother being so animated and lively. Now she is forced to lay in one spot all day as this preventable disease preys on her body, mind and life. The saddest part the the situation is she probably didn't even realize what she was doing to herself. It is tradition in most societies that food is a reward, comfort, and love. Food is the connective tissue in the world and there is no change in sight. How I see it, the main component that we need to change is the type and amount of food we consume. It is a simple solution to a complicated problem. I don't want anyone to end up how my grandmother has.

Share your  Diabetes story here. My story