Heey guys!
So during the spring and summer I always make sure I have a healthier diet. Recently, I've been shopping at Whole Foods and all those organic stores.
They can be a bit pricey but they're ALOT healthier than the crap that you can buy in the frozen food section at like Walmart. (Not that there's anything wrong with that other than they're alot unhealthier.)
 
*I've also been eating less or no meat at all just because of all the harsh chemicals and the abuse that the animals go through.*
 
*Eating healthy does NOT mean that you are on a diet.
 
*Benefits*
 
*Eating healthy can reduce the risks of many diseases and health issues(stroke, type 2 diabetes, some cancers, kidney failure, etc.)
 
*Eating certain types of food can help change your mood. (High fiber foods will give your body fuel to last the whole day without feeling tired)
 
*Eating the right type of food can help your sleep. Eat more complex carbohydrates(carbs). Foods that are sugary or have lots protein can disturb your sleep and cause you to sleep less.
 
*Your mental preformance can also be affected by food. Your brain needs a consistent supply ofvitamils, minerals, and enegy for memory, concentration, thinking, and learning. The best food to eat for your brain is whole grains, fruits, veggies,legumes(seeds/roots), essential fatty acids(fish, grains, nuts, seeds, veggies) and lean protein.
 
*Random Healthy Eating Tips*
 
*Eat from each food group EVERYDAY (grains, protein, vegtables, fruit, and dairy)
 
* There's nothing wrong with having a little piece of candy. As long as it's eaten in moderation. You shouldn't be having a whole bag of chips a day. Take it easy.(:
 
*Switch up your meals so it doesn't get boring for you. It's sure not fun eating nothing but salad all day, everyday. For example, if you eat an apple and a sandwich for lunch one day, get a wrap and some grapes the next day.
 
*If you chew sugar-free gum you can decrease your appetite and intake of calories.
 
*Make sure you eat breakfast! I haven't been eating breakfast alot during this school year but I started to and it's been alot easier to lose weight. Another benefit.(:
 
*Healthy Snacks*
 
-Carrots with dressing
-Trailmix
-Veggie Chips( I love these)
-Seed mix
-Granola Bars
-Low-sugar fruit snacks
-Organic peanut butter with apples
-Sliced cucumber/bell peppers with hummus
-Popcorn (No Butter!)
-Unsalted pretzels
-Greek yogurt with fruit
-Nuts
 
*Recipes*
 
Santa Fe Wraps( Serves 12)
 
2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1 cup sour cream
1 (4 1/2-ounce) can chopped green chiles
1 (4 1/4-ounce) can chopped olives
1 cup (4-ounce) shredded pepper jack cheese
2 tablespoons salsa, plus salsa for dipping, optional
1/2 cup green onion tops, sliced
1 cup chopped fresh spinach
2 packages flour tortillas
 

In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until creamy. Then add sour cream, green chiles, olives, pepper jack cheese, salsa, and onion tops. Beat at medium speed with an electric mixer. Stir in spinach. Spread mixture evenly over the surface of each tortilla. Roll up tortillas tightly and cut each tortilla crosswise into 6 slices. Skewer each wrap with a wooden toothpick. Serve immediately or chill. Serve with salsa for dipping, if desired.
 

Guacamole Salad(Serves 6)
 
1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and 1/2-inch diced
1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup small diced red onion
2 tablespoons minced jalapeno peppers, seeded (2 peppers)
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated lime zest
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (2 limes)
1/4 cup good olive oil
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
2 ripe Hass avocados, seeded, peeled, and 1/2-inch diced
 

Place the tomatoes, yellow pepper, black beans, red onion, jalapeno peppers, and lime zest in a large bowl. Whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic, and cayenne pepper and pour over the vegetables. Toss well.
 
Just before you're ready to serve the salad, fold the avocados into the salad. Check the seasoning and serve at room temperature.
 

Arugula, Watermelon, and Feta Salad(Serves 4)
 
1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (2 lemons)
1/4 cup minced shallots (1 large)
1 tablespoon honey
1/2 cup good olive oil
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
6 cups baby arugula, washed and spun dry
1/8th seedless watermelon, rind removed, and cut in 1-inch cubes
12 ounces good feta cheese, 1/2-inch diced
1 cup (4 ounces) whole fresh mint leaves, julienned
 
Whisk together the orange juice, lemon juice, shallots, honey, salt, and pepper. Slowly pour in the olive oil, whisking constantly, to form an emulsion. If not using within an hour, store the vinaigrette covered in the refrigerator.
 
Place the arugula, watermelon, feta, and mint in a large bowl. Drizzle with enough vinaigrette to coat the greens lightly and toss well. Taste for seasonings and serve immediately.
 

Thanks for reading! Hope this helps you guys make good and healthy eating choices, good luck!(: