Diet Tip: Focus on What You Can Add

Diets often focus on what you have to eliminate:  no carbs (you know that I think that is a bad idea), sugar (good to eliminate for a little bit), all food but cabbage (really bad idea).  Instead of focusing on the plate being half empty, why not fill it up with foods you should be eating.

We all should be eating 5 to 7 servings of fruits and veggies, and some diet plans recommend trying to eat up to 13 servings a day.  So focus on what you can and should add to your meals and snacks.  Here are a few ideas of how to increase your intake of healthy foods.

• Use veggies as chip substitutes.  Carrots sticks, cucumber slices, jicama, celery and pea pods are great vehicles for hummus.
• Add berries to your breakfast cereal.  Strawberries are just coming into season so they should be less expensive.  Blackberries are super high in antioxidants too.
• Add extra veggies to your salads.  Left over steamed green beans or broccoli can go right onto your greens.
• Try vegetable purees instead of mashed potatoes.  Celery root, cauliflower and squash are tasty substitutes for mashed potatoes.

Do I have more suggestions?  I surely do, so

• Use an apple or bosc pear instead of crackers for cheese or peanut butter.
• Take a banana with you wherever you go.  You don't need to pack it in anything especially since it naturally comes with a nice thick skin.
• Add steamed veggies to pre-made soup.
• Cut up some fruit for dessert, it is a great palate cleanser and light enough to not push you over the edge.
• Snack on frozen grapes.
• Make smoothies for breakfast or a snack and add lots of frozen fruit to the mix.  Make your own since Jamba Juice is not really the best option.

Changing your lifestyle is all about attitude, so focus on the positive.  In fact, we can all focus on eating more fruits and veggies.