How to make better low fat, low carb, or food combining choices

Endlessly wondering what exactly constitutes healthy eating? Is it low carb? Is it food combining? Is it low fat? So many choices; is there one that is THE right choice, or is it different for everyone? Whichever it is, the need to simplify the process is foremost in most people's minds. Read on for some easy ways to make foods healthier for you and your family....

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. 1) Add ground FLAXSEED to fruit smoothies, hot or cold cereals, pancakes, or toast with peanut butter. Replace 1/4 cup ground flax with 1/4 cup boxed brownie mix. Mix and bake as instructed on the box.
2. 2) Add cut up VEGETABLES to scrambled eggs or omelets (see my other article recipe on a great egg dish !). Pureed vegetables (cooked or raw) can be added to many foods. Add 1/4 cup finely processed uncooked zucchini to cake or brownie recipes. Sauces make a great hiding spot for vegetables. :) Try finely processed uncooked carrots and onions in spaghetti or pizza sauce.
3. 3) Use OLIVE OIL to fry (when necessary), or saute'. It has a higher heat tolerance than other oils (before turning to "bad" oil). CANOLA is currently the best option for baking recipes. In many baking recipes, you can cut your oil use in half by replacing with applesauce, pureed dates or bananas, or even beets ! Experiment with what works.
4. 4) Whenever possible, eat as close to NATURE as possible. What does that mean? The less processed, the better. Instead of fruit juice from a bottle or container; eat the fruit or juice your own. Instead of canned vegetables; eat fresh, or as a next resort, frozen. Remember to prepare fruits and vegetables as needed. They begin to lose their vitamin content soon after.
5. 5) Steer clear of ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS. Low carbers and diabetics need options. Please beware of the health risks of aspartame, splenda and other chemical sweeteners. There's a ton of info. on the internet on the dangers of these and also healthier options for you. (Did you know: aspartame's #3 ingredient is ethanol - wood alcohol- a known poison ?)
   
   In many recipes, you can reduce the amount of sugar, honey, or other natural sweetener to reduce carbs or sugars.

Tips & Warnings

• Flaxseed should be ground finely for optimal absorption of the digestive tract. It is an excellent option for fiber and heart healthy oil.
• Use your imagination when buying and preparing foods.
• You CAN eat health-IER even through the drive-thru's, but I don't advise doing it often. Most of the condiments are loaded with trans fats, sugar and chemicals.
• PLEASE beware of the potential dangers of artificial sweeteners !!!!
• Read labels. If you can't pronounce it, you probably shouldn't eat it !