A lot of people want to start the new year by eating healthier and exercising more. Their intentions are good, but because restricting calories and exercising in the gym is a chore for most, their New Year’s resolutions are discarded within a few short weeks. I have always encouraged people to make small changes in their eating habits like adding more vegetables and fruits to every meal, and finding some kind of activity that they enjoy, such as dancing, walking the dog, or yoga, that they can enjoy every day. These small changes produce a healthier lifestyle without all the pressure of counting calories or running on a treadmill at the gym. So how are your resolutions holding up?
I’d like to encourage you to start eating healthier right now. Head to your local market and spend some time really exploring the produce department. Look for fresh whole vegetables and fruits the color of the rainbow. Try a new recipe each week, involve your friends and family, and enjoy experimenting in the kitchen.
To help you get started, I thought I’d share some of the foods that I’m never without:
Watercress — my favorite leafy green! It's great as a salad or cooked in a soup. I’d love to hear how you use watercress.
Salmon — a powerhouse protein! Try it in an omelet with egg whites and feta cheese.
Fresh Berries & Nuts — sometimes you just feel like a snack, so make sure you have plenty of berries & nuts on hand so you can snack smartly. As a matter of fact, you should always plan to have a small snack between meals to keep your metabolism up and avoid that starving feeling at meal time.
Eggs & Yogurt — eggs provide a great source of protein and don’t take long to cook, which makes them one of the easiest foods to fit into a busy lifestyle. Yogurt provides a great source of calcium and is also an easy grab-and-go food!
Grass-fed Beef — it might come as a surprise, but you don’t have to avoid red meat to eat healthy! Grass-fed beef can be three times leaner than grain-fed and can contain 15 fewer calories per ounce.
Spices — a great way to add flavor to your meals without adding any calories! I am always sure to have cumin, turmeric, and cinnamon on hand. I also love to experiment with different types of peppers to add a little kick!
Here’s to a happy and healthier 2012! Be sure to keep up with Dana on her Facebook page to find out about our latest offers and when we’ll be at QVC next!
In my next blog, I’ll be discussing one of my favorite topical antioxidants as we get ready to launch a brand new treatment!
— Dr. Perricone
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