Of course I am not perfect! I like to periodically indulge in chocolate, cheese and wine. But, I have learned how to listen to what my body is craving, and more often than not, I crave foods with the nutrition that my body needs.
I know I have the freedom to eat whatever I desire, but what I want is to be healthy. So I have created habits to crave foods to match my desire to be healthy (such as a salad over a candy bar.)
Here are a few tricks that have helped me to look my best, and feel vibrant, happy, and healthy. Even applying one of these tricks into a daily routine can help your body work at optimum levels.
Not to provide too much information (i.e., "TMI") from the outset . . . but I eat breakfast after I have emptied my bowels in the morning. Before I eat breakfast I drink water, tea or juice until I have my morning movements. This way my body starts off the day with a cleared digestive system.
Apples are my favorite snack food because they burn more calories than they contain. They literally overburn calories and jumpstart the metabolism, which continues to burn long after you eat the apple. When your body is digesting food quickly there is no chance that the food will sit around and to turn into fat or slow down the digestive system.
A great trick that I learned years ago to avoid indigestion is to eat foods in the order in which they will digest from quickest to slowest. Start with fruits and vegetables, proteins, fats and eat carbohydrates last. When you put the slow moving food before the quick, your body backs up leading to indigestion. By eating foods that digest quickly before eating slow moving foods, your body's digestive system will be running smoothly and effortlessly.
Another secret I learned to staying healthy and fighting off diseases is to keep your body alkalized. To be alkalized is to be hydrated on a cellular level. It is extremely difficult for diseases to survive in an alkalized environment. By eating raw organic foods (yes, I said RAW) and unprocessed foods (as nature intended food to be) you will keep your body running at optimal levels. Try drinking purified water with fresh lemon juice or drinking water mixed with a bit of apple cider vinegar to aid in maintaining alkalization in your body. I like to put a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a cup of water with a few drops of stevia (to sweeten it up) and sip on it throughout the day. Apple cider vinegar and/or lemon water will keep your digestive system running smoothly, help your blood clean itself, and keep your body alkalized.
Eat organic whenever possible. Chemicals and pesticides do not contribute any nutrition and just confuse the body. Organic foods are better for your body and better for the environment.
Listen to your body. It speaks to you and lets you know what nutrition it is craving. You just have to learn it's language. If you focus on being healthy and you let your actions emulate that desire, you will start craving foods that your body truly needs. You will eat until you're full, without overeating, and you will crave foods that have nutrition that your body needs. Your body is a reflection of your diet. Watch the incredible synergy when your body reflects your inner health. When you start training your mind to think healthy thoughts, you will also create healthy habits that will enable you to live a happy and healthy lifestyle.