SMALL CHANGES BIG GOALS ... PART 6

For those who are new, we are taking small challenges every week in order to enjoy food more, eat better and why not? Eat a little less...

The purpose of this week is:

At dinner, plan a self-pampering night (alone or accompanied), light some candles, serve your food on the fancy china, take a seat and enjoy the moment.

Tell me how did it go? ...

SMALL CHANGES BIG GOALS ... PART 5

For those who haven’t joined, we are making small weekly changes in our habits which will help us to get away from the routine, eat healthier and feel better.

Last week we turned off the TV and tried to enjoy a little more time for eating. 

How did it go? Were you able to enjoy a little bit more pause in your day? 

Maybe you had a more comfortable (or longer) conversation or just felt less anxious…

The next seven days will be a challenge for all:

Try to sit down to lunch or dinner only when you feel really hungry, stay aware of the feeling of fullness and stop eating when you feel the first warning.

Remember: In order to enjoy much in life you don’t need to have too much...

Improve your economy with healthy habits

As a good start to the year, the first of January we wake up worn, tired and very satisfied with all the meetings, lunches, dinners and other holiday commitments. At this time many of us are filled with initiative and new purposes, making it easy to form new habits.

Take this opportunity to change some habits that will help you to improve your quality of life, the planet and why not? ... Save some money.

TO EAT BETTER

Shop at the farmers' market

Besides being cheaper than the supermarket, products are fresher and it supports the economy of many farmers. Try to buy seasonal fruit and vegetables.  They are cheaper and more likely to be fresh and of good quality.

If you like packaged foods

Avoid buying instant foods, most of them are high in sodium, fat, calories and generally are not very nutritious, and if you compare the cost of homemade food, usually you end up paying 2 or 3 times more.

For those of you who prefer to buy packaged products, try to choose those that are not processed and offer the product as close as possible to fresh presentation.

If you like to drink soda

Try this: add 1/3 cup of water to each soda glass.  Once you get used to the taste, increase the amount of water until you can reduce to a minimum the proportion of soda.

If you are not so adept to soda but you like fruit drinks, try to reduce the sugar you add to the jar or use a low-calorie sweetener like Stevia.

If you want the super low calorie option, you can try this: Add to a jar of water ​​pieces of orange, lemon, melon or cucumber. If you like you can add Stevia to make it sweeter and just as healthy.

Cook at least once a week.

If your activities do not allow you to cook every day of the week, try cooking a big portion one day so you can reheat the leftovers for future meals. I suggest you choose easy to store and reheatable recipes like lasagna. This way you will give a much healthier (and cheaper) option for your family.

Planning a vegetarian day a week

No need to make complicated dishes, only remove the meat (beef, chicken, pork, egg and fish) and change it to fresh cheese, tofu or soy. When you substitute the meat, you help your family eat more vegetables. More simply, the more colors you add, the more vitamins, minerals and fiber you will be giving to your family.

You will feel lighter and more energized to continue your day.

Go for a walk once a week

If you are not the type of person who goes to the gym or has time to spend an hour of exercise often, make plans to go out with your family for a walk one day a week.  You will have a little exercise and the opportunity to talk and share outside the routine.

TO HELP THE PLANET

If you like the idea of ​​helping the planet, I suggest some simple changes:

Recycle

Reuse glass containers for food storage and plastic to save other objects.

Water Reuse

Turn off the water faucet while brushing your teeth and in the sink when you soap the dishes.

Use cloth napkins instead of paper.

You'll feel as if you were eating at your grandparents’ house but using cloth napkins are cheaper and they don’t need to be washed daily.

Clean your house naturally and economically

If you want to be even greener, change your cleaning products for natural options.  With just vinegar, baking soda, lemon and water you can create endless products friendlier to the planet (and your wallet). I am doing it and it has been much cheaper and more efficient. Here is the link:

How to clean green...

SMALL CHANGES BIG GOALS ... PART 4

SMALL CHANGES BIG GOALS ... PART 4

Hello again! How are the little challenges going? Were you able to eat in 30 minutes? Did lunch taste different?

For this week try:

Before you sit down to eat, shut off the television, radio or music.

I hope it doesn’t cause a revolution at home.  You will be able to talk with your family or couple more at ease and you will see how lunchtime becomes more pleasant.