How to Eat Real Foods

In one of my articles I give tips on how to introduce children to healthy foods and keep them away from kids' menus that are full of junk food. In this article I will tell you how to get your children to eat real food, which is not only for kids, but for adults as well. We are a society that lives on frozen yogurt, energy drinks, protein bars and anything in a cardboard box or bag. Here are steps to exploring the world of real food.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. If it has ingredients that you can't pronounce, you probably shouldn't be eating it. If you must grab something, choose the lesser of evils--the items with the most things you've heard of. For example, corn chips are fried and not the vision of health, but many brands have simply corn oil and salt. The neon orange crispy snacks have 50 ingredients I've never heard of and I'm a chef. Start with this one rule and you'll be ahead of the game.

2. Eat real food. Now it sounds simple, but what is real food? Is it bread? Cheese? Salmon? Well, one would think. However, packaged breads, frozen meats and seafoods, cheese and even fruits have added ingredients. Do as the Europeans do: buy fresh bread from a bakery and fruits and vegetables from a fruit stand.

3. If you are on the go, eat the healthiest quick snack you can find, rather than not eat.

Tips & Warnings

• Make things easier for yourself. Prepare as much in advance as you can. Wash and cut fruit and vegetables for consumption. That way when you're hungry and go to the fridge, the only thing you have to do is select your portion. If you have trouble selecting portions, a good rule of thumb is to not eat anything larger than the size of your fist.

[sunshine11219]

on 11/4/2008 good advice