I LOVE sharing about preventing disease and I LOVE sharing about the importance of nutrition and clean eating. Today I've been creating a presentation on healthy nutrition and clean eating to share with a new audience. And of course I wanted to share with you guys too!
Are processed foods really that bad for us? What does processed foods do to our bodies?
YES!!
This list will awaken a desire to limit & eliminate processed foods from our diets.
Eating foods that are processed and that lack nutrients will cause our bodies to be undernourished and crave more food. Eating nutrient dense foods should be our goal.
1. Processed foods are highly addictive. Our bodies process these “fake” foods differently and the foods cause an excess production of the brain chemical dopamine. Dopamine causes you to feel pleasure which in turn causes you to crave and want more junk foods.
2. Processed foods contain phosphates that can destroy organs & bones. Phosphates are additives used to improve taste, texture and shelf life.
3. Fresh foods are actually cheaper than processed foods.
4. Processed foods cause chronic inflammation. Studies continue to show that refined sugars, processed flours, vegetable oils and many other ingredients cause inflammation. Inflammation is a natural process of the body and is the immune systems solution to protect areas that are injured. Chronic ingestion of processed foods leads to over-stimulation of the immune system, chronic inflammation and damage to healthy tissues.
5. Processed foods ruin digestion. Because they have been stripped of their natural fibers, enzymes, vitamins and other nutrients, they will cause harm in the digestive system. Processed foods throw our internal ecosystem off balance and deplete the good bacteria in our gut.
6. Processed foods destroy your mind. Studies have linked chronic consumption of processed foods with brain “fog”, difficulty concentrating and difficulty thinking normally. Nutrient-dense whole foods can help level out your moods, sustain energy levels and leave you feeling more calm.
7. Processed foods are loaded with genetically-modified organisms.
8. Processed foods are loaded with pesticides. Even breakfast cereals have been shown to have pesticide chemicals.
9. Processed foods are not actually food. Your body will still be hungry and will gain NO nutrients from the processed foods.
Homemade Tomato Sauce!
I promise that once you make this CLEAN tomato sauce – you’ll never buy a jar of tomato sauce from the store again! It is simple to prepare and can be frozen for quick meals later. I usually make two batches at once so that I have plenty for the freezer. This recipe is from my favorite cookbook – Fixate by Autumn Calabrese.
Grandma’s Tomato Sauce (serves 12)
Ingredients:
2 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion – chopped
4 cloves garlic – finely chopped
1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
¼ cup red wine
2 cans (28 oz each) whole peeled tomatoes – crush or puree in blender or food processor
2 tbsp agave nectar
1 tsp salt
¼ tsp pepper
3 tbsp finely chopped fresh basil
Directions:
1. Heat oil in large saucepan over medium-high heat
2. Add onion – stirring frequently for 5-6 minutes or until translucent
3. Add garlic and tomato paste – stirring constantly for 2-3 minutes
4. Add wine – stirring constantly for 2-3 minutes
5. Add tomatoes – agave – salt – pepper. Bring to a boil stirring frequently.
6. Reduce heat to low & cover – stirring occasionally for 1 hour.
7. Add basil; mix well.
Then be prepared to LOVE this sauce!
This is on my meal plan for the week and I can't wait!
Love How You Feel Challenge is beginning February 15th. I’m excited to invite you to join us!
This is about making a commitment to live a healthier lifestyle. This is about making permanent changes because you’re ready to live healthier. A commitment to focus on your nutrition and exercise. A commitment to make this a habit and part of your everyday life because you want to FEEL healthier, have more energy, FEEL comfortable in your own clothes, FEEL more confident and BE stronger.
It’s all about what you know you’re ready for. It’s about that change that you know needs to happen.
I began my journey years ago when I realized that I was overweight in elementary school. Exercise has been a part of my life since then. But over the years I’ve struggled with nutrition - from not knowing what to eat, to just not eating, to not eating enough, and all stages in between.
BUT my true commitment to a complete health makeover happened only about 3 years ago. I remember the night I decided that it was time to make my own health my priority. I was unhappy with how I felt, had very little energy, wasn’t comfortable in my own clothes and had very little confidence in myself.
This was when I realized that being healthy is so much more than just exercise. I realized that nutrition was the key! I began to learn about nutrition and made a commitment to eat healthier clean foods to nourish my body.
I didn’t know then, but I’ve since learned what was missing from my own health journey.
{{{{{ SUPPORT }}}}}
My Love How You Feel Challenge will give you ALL 3 components to help you be successful on your OWN health journey.
1 - Proper nutrition
2 – Effective workouts
3- Support
During this challenge you will have:
- You will have me as your personal coach to support and encourage you each and every day throughout this journey. I understand what it feels like and I understand the struggles. I’ve been there.
- You will be connected to a group of incredible women in a private, online group who are on the same mission to live healthier, feel better and be stronger.
- You will have a simple, effective nutrition plan that will become part of your everyday habits.
- You will be given meal plans, recipes and learn tips & tricks about meal planning.
- You will have fun, effective workouts to do from the comfort of your own home.
- You will have the most nutrient dense, superfood shake on the planet to drink every day.
- And a Fixate Cookbook as my thank you for allowing me to help.
I can help.
You’re ready to make a change.
We begin on February 15th.
Complete the form below or email me at kristingator@gmail.com and I will be in touch.
We will get started right away.
