You are what you eat: don't be fast, cheap, easy or fake…

You are what you eat: don't be fast, cheap, easy or fake:

This saying may make you laugh a little at first glance but it's something to be taken seriously, especially if you're thinking long term. Sitting around one day last week chatting with friends, one mentioned they wanted longer and stronger hair. I simply responded by saying "well, if you want your flowers to bloom, your soil has to be clean." Simply put, our hair, skin, teeth and nails are our beautiful flowers. But they only shine if they have the right environment in which to grow and flourish. Ex: drinking water, eating fresh/fresh frozen fruit and vegetables, whole grains, heart healthy fats and lean animal proteins.

I know it seems easy and convenient to swing through a drive-thru but at what cost..? Is it really easy and convenient months or years later when the weight is packed on and you're less than comfortable, ready to lose the weight but are struggling? Or what about when your lab results from annual check ups are less than desirable? Lets not forget about health screenings on corporate jobs/careers? -if you don't meet certain criteria/guidelines -there are disadvantages and surcharges you could be forced to pay for not meeting these standards…

To avoid the real disadvantages of slumming the bottom of the barrel when it comes to food on a consistent basis, it's important to remember how easy life can be when u simply prepare and plan ahead…I cannot encourage people enough: know your inventory! -this is what you have in your fridge and what you have in your pantry. Buy microwave safe cook-ware for left overs to have at lunch the next day, buy quick and easy breakfast options like granola or high fiber breakfast bars, boiled egg(s), fresh fruit, healthy options for frozen breakfast sandwiches like Jimmy Dean delights… pack snacks the night before and buy pre-packaged snacks (trail mix, mixed nuts, loose granola, dried fruit, protein drinks/bars, whole fruit, low fat string cheese, rice cakes, etc.) to take to work to give you energy and keep hunger away. -this will also keep you away from less healthy options in vending machines. Be mindful to keep water at your desk and in plain view so you don’t forget to drink. If it's hard for you to drink water during the winter, try to make it more desirable. -add fresh fruit to water to add flavor or add a sugar free drink mix.

Takeaway: We really are what we eat. On a deeper level, what is on our insides reflect what is seen on the outside. If you want your flowers to shine brightly, eat clean, eat fresh and eat well. I encourage us all, lets put our best foot forward and strive to present our best selves…when you think about it, what can you do to make yourself a better and brighter you? -get better lab results, have more energy, a brighter smile, a glowing skin complexion, vibrant hair and shimmering eyes! -could you do more physical activity, eat more fruit and veggies, drink more water and less beer or soda/juice, eat less fried foods and more baked/broiled? To make it easy, just pick one small goal for the month and add on as you see fit.