One of the most important things to think about while transitioning to a more healthy lifestyle is the things you can easily swap out to take the place of your current routine. Choosing a healthier alternative is probably one of the easiest and most important steps, in my opinion.
Start at the grocery store. When you are at the market, opt for the better alternative and you will not be tempted at home to go devour the sweets drawer or frozen packaged food in your freezer. Make yourself a grocery list of better options, and try your best to stick to that list.
I have listed a helpful guideline below to get your started, but in order to learn exactly what your body needs you must do the research. This came to me with a lot of mistakes, and experimentation, but with all the research and reading I have done, I have finally found what works best for my body. Now it’s your turn to do the job and make the swaps.
As I have said before, I am a preacher of making the right decisions and the right decision lays in the food you choose. Hours upon hours of exercise and NOT feeding yourself properly will only put you in the same spot with little progress. Diets, pills and shakes will not do the trick. You need to fuel with protein, whole grains, veggies and then some.
Almost every cuisine can be adjusted to fit your healthy lifestyle. There are so many different variations out there, even if you go out to a restaurant. Ask your server to make the swaps and eye the healthier options on the menu. I have found ways around all types of food, Italian, Mexican, Japanese, even pizza and burger joints! They are out there, you just have to do the work and find it on the menu.
Start here. Start today. Try to make as many healthy swaps as you can and see how you progress. Be strong with your choices, think positive, and have fun with it!
Butter < Avocado
Sour Cream < Greek Yogurt
Peanut Butter < Almond Butter
Milk Chocolate < Dark Chocolate
Whole Wheat Bread < Ezekiel Bread
French Fries < Sweet Potato Fries
Hamburger < Turkey Burger
Soda < Water
Juice < Fresh Fruit
Iceberg Lettuce < Kale or Spinach
Salt < Mrs. Dash
Cereal < Oatmeal
Sugar < Cinnamon
Relaxed Run < Interval Training
Hours in the gym < 1 hour of high intensity training
Emotional Eating < Writing down your thoughts
Criticism < Self Love
Perfection < Progress
