Now that the holidays are over and we are in a brand new year, 2018, many of us are proclaiming 2018 as the year to get healthy. Plans will be made, gym memberships purchased and diets researched. While some of us will be focused and motivated many will abandon our attempts at healthfulness by February. Some will be too busy to get to hit the gym and others will be bored with “diet” food. While we certainly aren’t gym rats, we are most likely to get bored with limited dining options. As lifelong foodies, the thought of a restricted meal plan is far more terrifying than the dreaded muffin top or double chin. While we always have and always will advocate body positivity and self-love no matter your shape, we also think a healthier diet is a good idea for all of us. Living a healthy lifestyle isn’t all about losing weight the right diet will keep you energized, focused and balanced. To help us on our way to healthier living we’ve adopted a few products that are tasty enough to satisfy our palates, full of vital nutrients and healthy enough to be good for us too.
Up Mountain Switchel
Put down the sugary energy and pick up a bottle of Up Mountain Switchel. Centuries ago farmers drank switchel to keep them energized and hydrated during the long work day. While you’re probably not plowing fields all day, you could still benefit from switchel’s restorative properties. The drink contains fresh ginger, maple syrup, and apple cider vinegar. The health benefits of Apple cider vinegar are well documented and include reduced inflammation, weight loss and lowering cholesterol. Our favorite flavors include the Original and Cayenne, which is a little bit more intense, in a good way. What’s great about Up Mountain Switchel is that it can be delivered right to your door, so you have no excuse to never run out of the delicious beverage.
Del Monte Fruit Refreshers
Fruit cups are new again thanks to the tastemakers at Del Monte. Ditch the sugar-laden syrup soaked fruit cups of old and enjoy a grown-up version with fresh fruit juice. Feel free to freeze them right in the cup for a cool treat.
Aloha Bars
Protein bars are a good way to beat the midday slump and can often satisfy your cravings for a sweet treat. Aloha bars are packed with protein and fiber, unlike the cupcakes and cookies, we often turn to near the end of a long day. One of our favorite flavors is the peanut butter and jelly, its a compact version of an after-school classic.
Cucina Amore Farro and Quinoa Meals
Try Farro as an alternative to white rice and pasta. This nutty tasting grain is full of fiber and nutrients like magnesium and zinc. Magnesium is needed for strong bones, a healthy immune system and nerve function. Double down on good grains with Cucina Amore Farro meals, with quinoa. These are an easy and delicious way to enjoy Farro as a side dish or complete meatless meal. In less than five minutes you can have a dish of fresh grains with herbs and vegetables. We personally love the artichoke meal.
Farmer’s Pantry Orca Bay Frozen Fish
Replace that fried chicken or thick steak with a healthier protein more often. Fish is quick to prepare and has the essential Omega-3, which help in brain function and memory. Fish is also good for your heart. Folks who enjoy fish regularly have a reduced risk of heart disease.
Pacific Foods Bone Broth
If you’re too impatient to craft a truly delicious bone broth try Pacific foods versions. Bone broth is full of magnesium and other trace minerals which can help with your joints and inflammation. This broth is also full of protein to keep you full. Bone broth makes a savory meal replacement for a detox regimen and can be a base for a tasty soup. We recommend adding blanched veggies, cooked ramen noodles, and sprouts to the bone broth for a quick and easy meal.
Muuna Cottage Cheese
Muuna has brought back cottage cheese with its modern look and protein-packed self-serving. As a snack, the fruit versions offer natural sweetness without artificial sweeteners or flavors. Muuna is a healthy and delicious snack offering. The cottage cheese can also be combined with rolled oats, cinnamon, and milk for a hearty breakfast of overnight oats. The premium fruit-on-the-bottom flavors each have 130 calories, 9g sugar and 15g protein per 5.3oz container. Flavor options include Strawberry, Blueberry, Pineapple, Peach, and Mango. Our personal favorites were the Mango and Peaches flavors. We also enjoyed the plain cottage cheese, which allows you to customize it with your favorite toppings. We added an assortment of mix fruits to ours, which made for a delicious snack while blogging.
Benefits of Muuna Cottage Cheese: High in protein, Good source of Calcium, No artificial coloring, sweeteners, or flavor. It’s good to say, Muuna is the perfect choice for a healthy snack.
Cocoavia Supplements
Give your circulatory system a boost with cocoa flavonoids. Cocoavia supplements aid in the promotion of healthy blood flow. The circulation of blood throughout the body is important for delivering oxygen and nutrients to your inside parts. In addition to pills, the flavanols are also offered as a powder that can be turned into a health-conscious hot or cold beverage. Ditch the dehydrated marshmallows and make a fortified hot chocolate with warm cashew milk, agave, and a Cocoavia stick.
Green Giant Riced Veggies
Refined carbs are the hardest to give up but things have gotten easier with Green Giant’s line of Riced Veggies. Our go-to alternative to rice is the riced cauliflower. You can pop the entire bag in the microwave and once it’s heated through toss it into a hot pan with a little chili oil, and chopped veggies for a low carb healthy fried “rice”
Lifeway Kefir
Kefir is a probiotic-rich beverage that can be a tasty meal supplement or an alternative to rich milkshakes and sodas. The probiotics found in Kefir help with digestion and boost your immune system. Kefir is also filling and full of skin improving nutrients.
Making a few healthy swaps may not be the fast track to healthy living but it is a step in the right direction. Whether your goals are small and just within reach or larger than life, your journey will begin the same, with a single step. Just one step to get you started and on your way to greatness. Good luck!