Have you ever wished that eating healthy could just be simple? *insert raised hand emoji*
Sure, there are many cookbooks, recipes, diets, etc. out there offer so much information, but for someone who is just trying to get started or get back on track, that can be pretty freaking overwhelming.
Even after years of experience in nutrition, I choose to keep eating simple.
Here are my four personal guidelines that I think can help you.
1. Focus on These Four
Focus on having veggies, protein, and fat at each meal and then add carbs as needed based on the days’ activities. Here are a few of my favorites in each category –
Veggies
Broccoli
Cauliflower
Brussel sprouts
Asparagus
Mushrooms
Carrots
Protein
Chicken breast
Turkey breast
Eggs & Egg Whites
Flank Steak
Fat
Avocados
Almonds
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Carbs
Sweet potato
Rice
Beans
Fruit
2. Gut Health
Add fermented foods and flaxseed or chia seeds to 3 meals a day. (Gut health is important!)
Kimchi
Kefir
Sauerkraut
Miso
Yogurt
3. Flavor is Your Friend
Which essentially means that seasonings are your sidekick. Don’t be afraid to add a ton of flavor to your meals! Healthy eating still means that your food can be delicious! Use seasonings, kimchi, salsa, hot sauce, fresh citrus fruit and fresh herbs. Here are a few seasonings and herbs that are my pantry staples:
Seasonings
Sea Salt and Pepper
Garlic
Onion
Chili Powder
Cumin
Curry
Store-bought/pre-packaged seasoning blends are also great but be sure to do a quick label check and make sure there are no added sugars.
Herbs
Thyme
Basil
Rosemary
Oregano
4. Be Your Own Chef
Try your best to cook at home for the majority of meals during the week focusing on real, whole food. I know, grabbing food to go may seem faster, but hear me out… batch cooking is the way to go. Not only does it actually save you a shit ton of time and money, but it ensures that you are eating foods that give you energy, are nourishing to your body and make you feel good! (I wrote this other blog on batch cooking so you can learn how – trust me, it’s so doable.)
I know this blog post will be helpful for you, but if you want to take it a step further, you can join my 28 Day Clean Eating program that delivers recipes, shopping lists and weekly doses of inspiration straight to your inbox. (You can currently get 7 days totally free – that’s 7 whole days of meals already planned out!)
If you’d like more help on getting started on your nutrition and wellness journey, I’d love to help! Feel free to reach out to me at carmen@carmenohling.com.
Wishing you a ton of light and love,
Carmen
