Years ago, going green often meant eating the same limited meals every time as there were not nearly as many healthy but fun food options. The somewhat recent green, natural, and organic food rush owes a lot to gluten-free and other allergy-conscious foods that paved the way for other alternative replacement foods. Now eco-friendly and healthy food is not only for people with dietary restrictions, and everyday people around the world enjoy making green meals at home. For people who are new to healthy and green eating, making their own varied meals can be a creative challenge. Eating vegetables and whole grains might be natural and healthy, but it is not the most exciting meal to eat every day. You can use some of the suggestions below to spice up your healthy meals and make cooking green at home more enjoyable. Once you learn the art of making healthy meals, you can enjoy a varied diet and natural protections against common issues like yeast overgrowth or gut problems. Now is the perfect time to explore the world of green and healthy home meals so you can learn new skills while treating your body to better fuel.
Do Not Cut Out All Grains
One of the first things people getting into healthy food will do is look up unhealthy foods to cut out. While there is a very long list of foods that are less than ideal for our bodies and the plant, not all advice should carry the same weight. The food pyramid many of us were taught as kids is now considered outdated and no longer reflects the best dietary suggestions. We do not need nearly as much grain as the food pyramid makes it seem, but that also does not mean all grains must go. You should cut out highly processed grains with added sugars, but whole grains are still a fantastic element of a healthy and green diet. Replace your morning white toast with a whole grain or alternative bread, but try to completely cut out processed breads like hot dog buns and mass-produced bagels.
Embrace Natural Color
One of the best ways to make sure you are eating a healthy meal is by looking at the variety of colors on your plate. Fruits and vegetables are naturally brightly colored, so always ensure your plate contains some natural vibrancy. Bright colors also make your meals more fun to eat as we eat with our eyes first. You can even add color to plain food with basic dyes that are approved by the FDA or naturally derived food colorings. The more fun you can make your new healthy diet, the higher the odds you will stick with the plan, so embrace color to spice up your meals.
Your Protein Source Matters
No matter what diet you follow, you need protein sources to keep your muscles adequately fed and healthy. Thankfully, there are a few various protein sources you can choose from if you have restrictions or rotate between to keep meals interesting. Fish, pork, chicken, beef, and beans are the most common protein sources, and you can work all five options into your diet. Beans are the best protein source for people who refuse to eat animal meat, but be aware that very restricted diets may need supplements to get the proper amounts of nutrients. Fish is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, while red meats help supply your body with a range of nutrients, but iron most notably. However, too much of anything can be bad for you, and too much red meat will start causing health issues rather than preventing them.
Portion Size Is Still Important
What you eat matters, but how much you eat also plays a role in your healthy eating habits. Eating too much red meat can increase your risk for stroke, type two diabetes, heart disease, and more, even though red meat can be part of a healthy diet. Overeating fruits can spike your sugar levels, and even drinking too much water in a short time can be deadly. The key is to eat until you feel full rather than stuffed and keep an eye on your mindless snacking throughout the day. Grab some nuts or an apple as a snack instead of a smoothie or cookie for healthier snacking that will not weigh you down as much.
This guest post was graciously written by make-up professional, Cassie Brewer. Cassie lives in Southern California and, in her free time, enjoys writing about her passion (make-up of course!) and everything beauty related. Nothing makes her happier than helping others be the best version of themselves they can be. You can read more at cassiebrewer.weebly.com and follow her on twitter @Cassiembrewer
