Easy, healthy eating tips

We all want to live healthier lifestyles, but sometimes it can seem like too much work to get on the bandwagon. This does not have to be the case. It is easy to implement healthier eating habits if you prepare yourself in advance. The tips below will help you to get started.

1. Drink filtered water. Pay attention to the pitcher you decide to purchase for this. Just because it is a popular brand, does not mean it is the best on the market. Research each brand thoroughly. Keep a pitcher of water in the refrigerator at all times, and reusable, eco-friendly, BPA free water bottles on hand. It may also be worth your while to purchase filtered water bottles.

2. It is not necessarily the best idea to go by common guidelines when drinking water. Find an amount of water to drink, every day, that does not leave you so full that you cannot eat your meals. Some people may only be able to consume a few cups of water a day, while others may be able to drink more. Water is important to healthy eating, but so are the nutrients derived from healthy foods.

3. And remember to drink more on very hot days, when you are sick, and when you are unusually active. Your body will need it.

4. Shop farmer's markets. Talk with the vendors, get to know them. Look for vendors that use organic practices, and purchase from them. Fresh produce, meats, and homemade breads and canned goods are but a few of the items you will glean from these farmers.

5. Keep plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables on hand. They are easy to grab when you want a snack, and make great companions to main dishes.

6. Do not keep a lot of chips and sweets at home. Make healthy trail mixes instead. A mix of dried pineapple, dried berries, sunflower seeds, and a few chocolate or yogurt covered raisins, is just one healthier alternative to cupcakes.

7. Make a fun project for the children, allowing them to create an indoor herb garden on a windowsill. Organic soils and seeds can be used, and eco-friendly pots. Use these fresh herbs in salads, soups and casseroles, among other foods. It is easy to snip a few sprigs off a plant when needed.

8. Watch serving sizes. Each member of your family may need a different amount of different types of foods. Go to ChooseMyPlate.gov to see how much you should be eating, and proportion out food accordingly.

9. Drink a breakfast smoothie, served alongside a slice of whole grain toast spread with a little peanut butter. Try 1 small banana, 6 strawberries, 1 serving of yogurt and a little water. Come up with a variety of smoothie recipes to enjoy.

10. Slow cookers are great inventions. You can quickly fill them with ingredients in the morning, to easily get lunch or dinner on the table when it is time to eat. Choose wholesome ingredients for these meals. You might even purchase a second slow cooker, so you can start lunch and dinner first thing in the morning.

Be sure to subscribe to Bangor Easy Meals to receive all new updates to the column. Please share articles you enjoy on Facebook, Twitter and other social and bookmarking venues. You may contact Shannon any time at shannonlbuck@gmail.com, or by leaving a comment here.