As a two-time cancer survivor, I’ve learned that it’s not just about the awesome medical community to help treat any given situation, it’s also a 360-degree approach including clean eating, active being and non-toxic living. So when I received an email from Dr. Oz’s production team to be interviewed on the show, I jumped to respond. It wasn’t the publicity on national television that intrigued me; I was thrilled to engage in a healthy conversation on a show that inspires people to make healthy changes.
Pretty Wellness on The Dr. Oz Show
Top Five Changes for Healthy Kids: Clean Eating
Being a first time mom, I opted for organic items when my son began eating “real food.” As I tried to figure out parenthood, spending a tad more money on organic foods gave me reassurance that he was ingesting quality items. But as he grew into his personality and demanded “more desserts,” it has become easier to veer away from wholesome selections and find pre-packaged items.
Being a busy mom and often too tired to fight, I looked for alternatives that made him smile. Oreos, Cheez-its, and Lunchables not only were convenient, but also instantly made him grin from eat to ear. So, while I knew it was wrong, before a tantrum or even a busy week I often stocked up on these items. As I have re-evaluated my eating to detox the cancer from my body, small steps have been taken to clean up my 6-year old’s diet, as well.
How to Start Healthy Meal Planning in Three Easy Steps
Do you grocery shop with intension, buying specific food for each meal of the week? I’m trying to be more fiscally conscious, so decided to meal plan again. I only started this process in the winter, though talked about it for years. Even then, I didn’t stick to a hard budget. I often rationalized that it was ok to make several trips to buy groceries because I ate clean. Now, that we moved into a new home I would rather spend the extra money on decorating rather than unneeded groceries. So, I decided to refocus my clean lifestyle towards making not only healthy, but also economical choices. Today, in an effort to eat well, save money and reduce stress, I grabbed the printable calendar and shopping list from my earlier meal planning experience. I found success in the past by gathering and creating a system with my family. Now, I’m armed and ready for our family meeting tonight to discuss eating clean while on a budget.
Here are some of our strategies on how to start healthy meal planning in just a few steps.
How to Make Cauliflower Rice, Healthy Tip of the Week
I was a carbaholic. Back in 1995, I bought cases of ramen for dinner, ate two bagels during staff meetings and frequented the vending machine at work regularly. My eating habits changed slightly with age recognizing that simple carbs were really unhealthy. Though I did stand behind eating whole grains rather than the “white ones,” I still felt bloated and packed on a few extra pounds because I ate mostly carbs and few vegetables. It wasn’t until a few years ago when I was looking to add more produce in my life that I started substituting vegetables for bread and pasta. I tried spaghetti squash, zucchini noodles aka zoodles and now I’m eating cauliflower rice.
Healthy Veggie Pasta – How to Use a Spiralizer
I was a huge carb eater. I steered clear of Italian restaurants for years because I was afraid I wouldn’t have willpower when a huge, creamy and savory bowl of pasta was delivered to my seat. Now I love little Italian bistros because they often keep in store many fresh veggies and cook with extra virgin olive oil. In fact, one of my favorite local restaurants makes a special dish of sautéed zucchini pasta with veggies in garlic and oil for me.
What I’m Drinking Now: Maple Water
It wasn’t that long ago that my beverage intake consisted mainly of Diet Dr. Pepper, powdered fruit punch and low-calorie sports drinks. I seldom even sipped water because it was tasteless and boring. I didn’t understand the importance of good hydration to help detoxify my system. Now that I’m eating clean, water is a staple in my diet. Though sometimes, a new drink is exciting after a long workout. Recently, I stumbled upon my new favorite beverage, maple water.
I don’t find maple syrup all that appealing, so I wasn’t initially drawn to the product. But after regularly seeing it in health food markets and continually hearing its claim of being a natural way to hydrate, I broke down and gave it a try. And to my surprise, I really liked it. And on the plus side, it’s low in sugar and calories, unlike coconut water.
While I no longer count calories, I do try to limit my sugar intake. I found the sweetness of maple water to be subtle and thankfully, not as rich and heavy like maple syrup. The light taste grew on me, too. Like coconut water, I also felt replenished after drinking a 10-ounce bottle post workout. The price is a tad bit higher than raw coconut water, but the few extra pennies won’t prevent me from buying maple water regularly in the future.
If you’re looking for a healthy alternative to sports drinks without the artificial ingredients, colors or added sugars, I strongly recommend maple water. Try my favorite kind: Happy Tree. However, I’m not sure if I will jump on the bandwagon for its health benefits alone. Since it’s such a new product, there is no proof of the claim that their vitamins, nutrients and polyphenols promote bone and thyroid health. Stay tuned. I’m sure the media will inquire more if maple water becomes a mainstream drink.
What is your favorite post-workout treat?