Most of us would agree that there is a degree of fun in being bad, diet-wise. The problem is that after the fun is over, we feel bad. Bad eating habits lead to feeling ill, gaining weight, and, sometimes, disease. The solution is to make nutrition fun. It may be true what they say, that you only live once, but at least you can feel good while you’re living. So this month, set off on a quest on having some nutritional fun!
Nutritional Fun: Visit a Farmers’ Market
Fresh, organic produce can be an inspiring outing that awakens your palate to new varieties you’d never considered before, and to the amazing difference that locally-grown flavor brings, compared to grocery store produce. The difference is not merely same-day-picked-freshness, although that makes a big difference. Grocery stores stock many vegetables grown from seeds that were chosen specifically for standing up to the jostling of shipping cross-country. Farmers’ markets usually hold a wealth of produce sprung from heirloom seeds, either the tried-and-true favorites or rare seeds handed down within families over the generations. You may find colorful jewel-like Five Color silverbeet, a chard that is as pretty as it is delicious and nutritious, or the equally pretty red zebra tomatoes and sweet chocolate peppers. Go to a farmers’ market without a list, because foods offered are seasonal. Ask growers for their favorite ways to prepare their wares, and you’ll get some great new recipes. Outings to farmers’ markets may encourage you to try growing a few of your favorites at home – fun nutrition and exercise!
Nutritional Fun: Grocery store challenge
Look in your pantry with the goal of ferreting out the evil lurking therein. You could target foods with high fructose corn syrup, found in many juices, soft drinks, and pancake syrup, for example. During your next grocery shopping trip, compare labels and find brands that are high fructose corn syrup free. With that one step, you are cutting out a lot of needless sugar. Take the grocery store challenge one step further by inviting a friend or spouse to shop with you, and make a contest out of finding the best healthy-food deal in the store.
Nutritional Fun: Cooking class
Making nutrition fun only works if it is fun, and nobody likes to eat food that tastes bad. Is your cooking raising its hand? Then maybe it’s time to take a cooking class, learn some new tricks in making good food taste delicious, and have a great time in the process. Invite a friend or your spouse to join you and double the fun.
Nutritional Fun: Travel toward better nutrition
If you have the means, one of the most memorable (and fun) ways to improve your diet is to observe and taste the diets of cultures famous for healthy eating habits. This opens the door to several delightful possibilities: the Mediterranean region has traditionally had good stats for good health, and researchers believe it could be their particular blend of foods. Who wouldn’t want to tour Italy, coastal France, or a Greek island on a nutritional quest? If only. In lieu of such travel plans, explore what makes the Mediterranean diet so healthy: olive oil, whole grains, and lots of fresh produce, with a little red wine, fish, a few nuts – that’s the gist. It is a delicious, heart-healthy diet that doesn’t feel like one. You may not shed pounds enough to start wearing skinny jeans, but it’s a good step toward nutrition, feeling good, and enjoying what you eat again.
What quest will you take for better nutrition this month? Whatever path you choose, here’s to making it a fun one!
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Why You Don’t Have to Go “All Out” With Your Diet to Live Longer
Is High-Fructose Corn Syrup Worse Than Sugar?
