I never thought I would be writing about nutrition. I have lived most of my adult life eating what I want when I want. I find dieting one of the most difficult things to do. The minute I tell myself I am on a diet I want to eat non-stop. I almost become obsessed with eating…it is all I can think about. Therefore the word “diet” has been banned from my vocabulary. Instead I convince myself that I am going to change my eating in small steps and I will not deny myself any particular food…especially chocolate!
I was never particularly interested in nutrition. It seemed like a rather boring subject to tell you the truth. I started slowing reading more about nutrients and health over the last few years. What I have discovered is not only fascinating to me but has opened up a whole new world. What is especially interesting is the fact that a large percent of disease can be resolved with proper nutrition. Who knew! I was never taught anything about nutrition in school. Here is this subject that affects all of us in an enormous way but few of us are knowledgeable in!!
I have found a few very easy ways to eat more nutritious food. These little steps will become big steps over time and the effect of these changes will be better health, more energy, less depression and a lower weight. You have to think of the whole picture when looking at what you put in your mouth. It isn’t just about weight, it is about your health and wellbeing all wrapped into one.
There is a system called NuVal that makes nutrition easy for you. If you take the time to read labels (and I suggest you do as it is very eye opening) and you compare one brand of cracker to another, what should you focus on? Salt content, calories, cholesterol, trans-fat? How do you know which one is better? Now you don’t have to because someone else has done it for you. NuVal is a science based system that will tell you what the nutritional value of food is. This system scores food based on 30+ favorable or unfavorable nutritional factors. Each product is given a score from 1-100. The higher the score the more nutritious the food. This score is right on the shelf tag along with the price in many grocery stores.
If you are going to compare different crackers that you might be considering, NuVal makes it easy. The one with the higher score is better for you. This one small step can dramatically improve your nutrition. Sometimes just finding out that a favorite product of yours has a score of 8 will help you make different choices. When you start comparing NuVal scores you will be surprised at what you find. Foods that you thought were good for you aren’t and vice versa. I now rarely buy anything below a score of 50, a big change from my previous buying habits!
Here is one example of a trade-up NuVal has on their website:
Applesauce scores 4 vs. Apple scores 96 !! That is a trade up worth making!!
See what trade-ups you can make with this week and share them with me. We can all work together for better health for us and our children!! Happy eating!
Click here to find out more information about NuVal and how it works, the science behind it, where to find it and expert answers.
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