Simple Diets: De-Clutter Checklist

Simple Diets: De-Clutter Checklist

When it comes to dieting, I’ve always found that simple diets work best.

There are a number of reasons that this is true. First, simple means easy, and easy means you’re more likely to get it right. Second, simple diets are more likely to be successfully adopted on a long term basis, whereas complicated or strict diets are usually short-lived.

I typically support a whole foods approach to a healthy diet. This simply means aiming for foods that are natural or involve minimal refinement and processing. For example, rather than having packaged instant oatmeal, I would shoot for a bowl of berries, oats, and all-natural yogurt.

Keeping it simple will mean fewer preservatives and unhealthy ingredients that will only impede your weight loss and fitness goals.

In addition to a whole foods approach, it’s also necessary to eat healthy if you want to get in shape. This is where the traditional dieting rules come into play. Cut down on trans and saturated fats, watch your sugar intake, replace refined carbs with whole grains, get more fiber and protein, and eat lots of vitamin-rich fruits and vegetables.

But in order to really do it right, it’s necessary to get the clutter out of your kitchen and completely simplify your eating habits. This is your de-clutter diet checklist…

Simple Diets: De-Clutter Checklist

1. Your Fridge – I’m starting with your fridge because this is the place where you probably (or should) keep the foods you eat on a regular basis. Let’s look at how you can de-clutter your fridge…

• Ditch the soda, energy drinks, and even fruit juice. They’re all very high in sugar, much of which will be stored as fat. Instead, aim for water whenever possible, or natural options like VPX Coco Fit Coconut Water that are nutritionally dense.

• When it comes to condiments, use all-natural or organic options whenever possible. They usually contain fewer chemicals and preservatives.

• Toss the salad dressing, and try making your own. Simple dressings with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, and salt and pepper will actually boost your metabolism.

• For meats, make sure you stick with lean proteins. Chicken breasts, lean cuts of beef, and seafood are your best options. Salmon is especially high in healthy fats that will improve your fat-burning potential, which is why I always recommend including Optimum Fish Oil Softgels in your diet.

• Pack your fridge full of fresh ingredients, and get rid of all the pre-packaged stuff. Lemons and limes are great options for cooking and seasoning, while fruits and veggies will give you some healthy snacking options. Fresh herbs also make for tasty meals and are high in antioxidants.

2. Your Freezer – This is going to be a short checklist, because it’s pretty straightforward. At the end of the day, very little of the food you eat should be coming out of your freezer.

• Throw away all TV dinners, frozen meals, and frozen veggies. While many companies are reducing their use of preservatives, frozen foods are never as good for your overall health. Go fresh!

• It’s time to say goodbye to all your frozen treats. Whether it’s ice cream, popsicles, or even frozen yogurt, they’re just too high in sugar!

3. Your Cupboards – Finally, it’s time to hit your cupboards. In general, your cupboards should only be used occasionally when preparing meals.

• Reduce your use of canned foods. They’re usually high in sodium, which will lead to water retention and make you appear larger!

• Replace all refined and bleached carbs (breads, pastas, rice) with whole grains only. They’re higher in protein and fiber, which will mean better weight loss results. Some super foods, like Nutiva Organic Chia Seeds, also make good grain replacements.

• Keep on hand super foods that enhance your metabolism, like Nutiva Organic Extra-Virgin Coconut Oil and NOW Spirulina Powder. Cooking with these super foods will give your diet and your health a major boost!

• Toss the packaged snacks and treats. Whether it’s cookies, crackers, potato chips, or pretzels, these foods are always high in calories and usually contain a lot of salt or sugar. Aim for fresh snacks like Greek yogurt, carrots, fruit, and nuts like these NOW Almonds.

• Rather than eating packaged cereals, which are usually highly processed and refined (and full of sugar), try having a protein shake instead. Mix an all-natural protein mix like Optimum 100% Natural Whey with some almond-milk, fresh fruit, and ice, and you’ll totally jumpstart your day!

Simple Diets: De-Clutter Checklist Conclusion

So there you have it, a de-clutter checklist for eating healthier! And remember, these tips are only the beginning. There’s a lot more you can do to clean up your diet. Watch your labels, and go natural whenever possible!

Have any questions or feedback about these simple diet tips? Please leave a comment below…

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