Whole foods for health and wellbeing are necessary for health and happiness. Whole foods and plant based foods have become popular tag words in recent years. It reminds me of the newer version of clean eating that was popular a few years back. I like to joke that I was practicing whole food lifestyle years before it had that label attached to it. I have shared that I was a vegetarian as a child which makes a whole foods diet come very natural to me. However, I do realize that it is not that way for everyone.
There is strong research that backs up the benefits of whole natural foods on our health and well being. An easy way to add more whole foods to your diet is by trying to reduce the amount of food you purchase in boxes or cans or prepacked bags. This is also similar to the old trick of shopping on the outside edges of the grocery store. Once we realize how much better we feel in our bodies when consuming whole natural foods it is much easier to walk by the boxes in the grocery store with no desire to throw them in our carts.
Whole foods for health and wellbeing.
Consuming foods grown in their natural habitat with minimum processing and preservatives is healthier for our bodies and the earth.
Some of my favorite examples of autumn and winter whole foods are sweet potatoes, rutabagas, bok choy, and cabbages. Furthermore, eating with the seasons is also a great habit to develop. The foods that are available locally in your area are usually the freshest and can also be more affordable. Whole foods are essential for health and wellbeing.
Whole Foods for Health and Wellbeing.
Beginner Friendly Whole Foods Habits:
While talking to folks during the years and the topic of whole foods comes up I tend to hear the same feedback. I am usually told that it takes too much time or it is too complicated to cook whole foods or that it is too expensive to buy natural foods. My response to this is that it does not have to be that complicated or time consuming. Most of my meals are prepared in a saute pan, grilled, air fried, or an Instant Pot. It can actually be very easy to cook natural foods with very little clean up and no extra boxes or packaging to throw away.
Speaking of the cost of food, my recommendation is buying food that is in season when possible and thinking through your meal plan to avoid waste. Below are some great habits for eating more whole food easily.
- Start with breakfast. A boiled egg and fresh fruit make a beautiful breakfast and is inexpensive considering the nutrition content.
- Skip the french fries. I realize this is a tough one as I enjoy fried potatoes too. However, I make a habit of asking for a whole foods side like a salad or slaw instead of fries if I am eating away from home.
- Need a snack? Skip the prepackaged snacks of cookies and chips. Choosing a fruit or a few nuts or a cup of yogurt is a great alternative.
I began making these small shifts years ago and couldn’t believe how much better I felt in my body. It truly is the small adjustments over time that lead to more health and happiness.
Interested in learning more? See my bok choy recipe below. Bok choy is a green leafy vegetable powerhouse! Furthermore, it is reasonably priced and cooks up quickly. Make this beautiful side dish full of nutrition and flavor!
Sauteed Bok Choy
Equipment
- 1 Saute pan
Ingredients
- 1 bunch Bok Choy If using baby bok choy several bunches needed.
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tbsp Olive oil Or any light oil
- 2 cloves Garlic Garlic powder can be substituted.
- 1 tsp Freshly grated ginger root 1/2 tsp ground ginger can be substituted.
Instructions
- Wash bok choy and remove the stem.
- Chop the bok choy in in 2 inch pieces
- Separate the leafy pieces from the thicker blades.
- Heat the olive oil over medium in a saute pan.
- Add the garlic and ginger to the oil.
- Place the thicker blades of bok choy to the saute pan, add the water, cover with a lid.
- Cook for 7 minutes or so covered.
- After 7 minutes or so, add the leafy portion of bok choy to the pan, stir, and cover.
- Cook for 7 more minutes or so until tender, remove from heat.
- Enjoy!
I began making these small shifts years ago and couldn’t believe how much better I felt in my body. It truly is the small adjustments over time that lead to more health and happiness.