#2013alive: Cut Out the Bad … and Then Add In the Good

#2013alive: Cut Out the Bad … and Then Add In the Good

It’s the end of week 2 – time to reflect on how the week has gone … and prep for week 3: Add In the Good.

We’re coming to the end of week 2 of our 12 Months of Wellness, so it’s time to reflect on how this week has gone … and prepare for week 3!

Throughout this week we talked about cutting out the bad, specifically sugar-laden soft drinks and trans fats. Among the bad things that we mindlessly put into our body, soft drinks and trans fats are some of the worst, and consuming these foods can contribute to all sorts of chronic illnesses, such as heart disease, obesity, and diabetes.

Now that we’ve ditched the worst offenders (or are in the ditching process), it’s time to start thinking about replacing the void with health-promoting foods. In week 3 of our 12 Months of Wellness we focus on adding in the good: greens, fibre, and omega-3s.

To get prepped for week 3 let’s consider these good items, and why they’re such a powerful addition to our diets.

Greens
Greens are a huge category of antioxidant rich leafy greens. They include kale, collards, mustard greens, beet greens, romaine lettuce, cabbage, spinach, and many more. These items are particularly high in vitamins A, C, and K, and contain high levels of iron.

Fibre
Not just for staying regular, fibre is a key component in a balanced diet and helps to regulate weight and cholesterol. Soluble fibre can be found in oat bran, nuts, and legumes, and insoluble fibre can be found in veggies, wheat bran, and whole grains: make sure you get enough of both.

Omega-3s
Touted for their heart- and brain-health promoting benefits, omega-3s are an important addition to your diet, as the body can’t produce them itself. Find them in fatty fish, walnuts, and flaxseeds.

What did you give up for week 2? And what are you going to add for week 3?

To see what alive staff members ditched this week, check out our recent blog post, “How Are We Cutting Out the Bad?” And check back next week to find out how we’re incorporating more greens, fibre, and omega-3s in our diets. 

Related Stories

Discover

Caught in the Middle

Caught in the MiddleHelp for the Sandwich Generation- Twenty million American adults are caring for aging parents at the same time they\'re raising young children. Known as the Sandwich Generation, the

The Importance of Senior Fitness

The Importance of Senior Fitness- According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), exercise and physical activity are some of the best things older adults can do to stay healthy. Even moderate ex

Grandparent Getaways

Grandparent GetawaysTrips to take with your grandchildren- \"No parents allowed.\" It\'s not a sign on a kid-only clubhouse, it\'s the first rule of travel for memory-making grandparent/grandchild vacatio

Comfortably Aging in Place

Comfortably Aging in PlaceHaving lived in the same ranch house for 55 years, John Heck’s grandparents wanted to make any and all necessary accommodations to allow them to peacefully age in place. Usin

Aging with Vitality, Grace and Confidence

Aging with Vitality, Grace and ConfidenceIt’s one of the great ironies of life: Your reward for surviving the tumultuous teen years, establishing a career and nurturing a family culminates in dry skin

3 Ways Seniors Can Control Prescription Costs

3 Ways Seniors Can Control Prescription CostsFor 55 million Americans enrolled in Medicare, the New Year means any new Medicare Advantage or prescription drug plans, or any changes to your existing pl

Popular Categories