Do you make resolutions in January? Each new year, I find myself feeling heavy and sluggish from too many holiday treats and loathe to go outdoors in the freezing temps. Each January I feel the need to address sugar cravings and a desire to feel healthier.
I love cooking, baking, all the details, science, history and culture of food. However, sometimes it’s all just too much and I need to take a break. This year I’m focusing on healthy eating by cutting way back on sugar in January as part of a fresh start to a fresh new year.
If you are interested in making some changes this January, here are some links, tips and recipes I’m considering as I move forward.
Let’s think about a few things as we look at the month ahead:
- Whatever I choose to eat this month, I will be paying attention to what I eat, reading labels, and really thinking about how I feel. Do I want added sugar in my sandwich bread? How much sugar is in those kombucha drinks I love? How much protein is in my breakfast? Does this meal make me feel full, healthy, satisfied or tired? Did I take the time to notice the taste and texture of my food and really enjoy it? Have I checked the label on my almond butter to see if it has added sugar? You get the idea…
- I will not be cutting back on fat. Here’s an article about why our bodies need fat that also explains the different types and sources of fats. My diet includes a LOT of raw nuts, extra virgin olive oil, and avocados, as well as fresh eggs and moderate (sort of…) amounts of butter and cheese, and small amounts of bacon, and gasp… lard!(click here for more fascinating info about the king of fats)
- Why am I doing this? I want to feel healthy and energetic, and I know from experience that I feel better when I eat very little sugar. Everything from my digestion to frequency of headaches to cravings and moodiness improve when I stop mindlessly consuming sugary snacks. We each have our own reasons for the choices we make – it’s important to know ourselves and find what is best for our own bodies.
- Rather than focusing on what I’m not eating, I’ll be turning my attention to what I’m adding this month such as:
- I plan to drink more hot tea (unsweetened of course)
- I’m adding delicious fruit to my diet – I can have sweet mandarin oranges for dessert or a smoothie if I really need a treat (go to the end of this post for links to recipes)
- I LOVE to feel healthy, sleep well, and be happy – and eating healthy foods supports these goals
- I’m adding vegetables to my diet, and I’ll eat all my favorite winter veggies such as roasted carrots and cauliflower. I’ll also make salads with lots of cheese and nuts, and make sure my fridge is stocked with things I like to eat so I don’t feel deprived.
As you know I love to bake, so here are a few recipes I’ll be revisiting this month.
It feels so good to make healthy choices about what to eat. If you would like more tips and info about making changes to your diet, reading nutrition labels, or encouragement look for me on facebook @ Monticello Georgia Yoga.
P.S. Am I cutting out dessert forever? absolutely NOT! I’ll be back with more sweet treats in a month or two.
Have you ever used tahini in home cooking? It is a paste made from toasted sesame seeds. Tahini is high in minerals such as phosphorus, magnesium, calcium and iron. It’s also a good source of B vitamins, vitamin E and unsaturated fat. Sesame seeds provide a complete protein that is easier to digest than some other nuts. Tahini is a great addition to any diet, but it’s especially valuable to vegans, vegetarians, and people with food sensitivities and allergies because it provides creamy richness and lots of nutrition.
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