For those in the back, “Eating healthy does not have to be complicated!” Listen, eating healthy is simply making a conscience effort to improve your diet by making small, sustainable changes. By sustainable changes, I am referring to changes that you know you can commit to over a lifetime. Much too often we make changes based on what’s trending, what our friends are doing or to prevent or manage an illness. Unfortunately, over time, if the change was made in haste, was too much of a sacrifice or without proper thought, we revert back to our old habits.

Here is an example of how I have made a small, simple, sustainable change that will benefit me over my lifetime.

Story time…

I love oatmeal. Grew up eating it for breakfast. Started out eating old fashioned oats and over time, graduated to the individual prepackaged kind- yes, the ones that are pre-sweetened and have more calories than necessary. I told you in my intro blog that I am very transparent.

Anyway.. Over the years, I have gone back and forth, switching from old fashion oats to quick oats (unprepared) to prepackaged. Well, guess what? The prepackaged won! Instead of feeling defeated and guilty because I chose to settle for the less healthier option, I decided to add more nutrients to my oatmeal. Since I always have fresh or frozen berries, and some type of chopped nuts on hand (will discuss pantry must haves in another blog), I began adding them to my oatmeal. No, it does not cancel out the sugar or calories. In all honesty, it adds a little more; however, the nutrients gained are far better than none added. Note: If you are struggling with high sugar levels and love prepackaged oatmeal, I recommend trying the higher fiber version. It has more fiber and less sugar.

Well, this was only one example of how I have chosen to make my diet healthier. If you choose to stick around, I have plenty more stories and examples to share. Remember to start small and always make changes that you know you will stick with.

LaShaundrea B.