Over the course of my weight loss journey, my dieting woes and overall displeasure with the way I was leading my “eating” life I made some decisions a few years back about the food I eat. This isn’t to say I don’t have off days and eat whatever I want. I have learned however that eating clean is a complete lifestyle change and you are what you eat. Inside and out.

I have noticed by implementing certain things and removing others from my diet I felt healthier and more energetic and I believe you have to find your own balance with what you eat. That happy place where you can both enjoy your food but also feel great while eating. I am a self professed foodie and my friends and family know me as the person to ask for food ideas, restaurants to go to and new cuisines to explore. In all of this I still look for quality and freshness and my focus has been on finding all sorts of interesting and new cuisines at their very finest. I wanted to write about this because its a topic dear to me and Ive benefited so much but again I want to say this is about you and how you feel about what you eat.

I wanted to pin point different things not just food. Everything from changing my food pantry to changing what I put on my skin. Here is where I in particular want to do a shout out to Lowell where I live. The Farm Market that’s available @farmlowell @millno5 and the Apothecary shop @redantlerapothecary have also revitalized the way I do things.

The below are items I use and have really changed my life and my health I hope you can implement some and also give me suggestions that you have implemented in your life!

Apple Cider Vinegar (Raw Braggs Brand with the “Mother”)

I use this as a weekly tonic for my health, for years I suffered with constant colds, allergies, strep, sinus problems the list goes on. After one particularly bad bout of both bronchitis and a severe sinus infection I had had it with antibiotics and medications. I had been sick for a month or so back and forth and I finally decided to  look for a “home remedy”. I started taking 2 tsp of Apple Cider Vinegar diluted in water 3 times a day and in a week I was well. Fully well. Since then I have been sick maybe 3 times and that was over 2 years ago.

Whole Grains

Pastas, breads…..we love them. We can still eat them and actually try all sorts of different variations. Whole wheat, millet, amaranth, barley, oats etc. Some are earthier, some are nuttier but you can figure out your favorites. Try a new one every week 🙂

Almond Milk

Both me and my significant other 🙂 had lactose issues so we switched to Almond milk and honestly I don’t miss regular cow’s milk at all. I use it for oatmeal, cereal, and baking. Its fantastic and light.

Fruits & Vegetables

A big part of clean eating is the fruits and veggies, thankfully I am obsessed with fruits and I love almost all vegetables. I have learned so many different ways to cook them and my next project is to roast some fruits and make Popsicles 🙂 Another way to implement these two at once is with smoothies and while I don’t think “detoxing” is a great thing to do they do make you feel fantastic.

Restaurants

Yes I still go to restaurants and enjoy my food. You have to. You don’t have to eat so much that you feel you will explode but I still believe in enjoying what you eat and how you eat it.

Added Sugar

The culprit of all culprits. I have almost entirely removed all added sugars from my diet, meaning I don’t put sugar in my tea, or coffee and I try to stay way from adding sugar when I bake instead using substitutes like ripe bananas and less of other forms of sugar like honey. At the beginning when I first started on this journey I lost 10 pounds from cutting out sweets, sodas and juices.

Lean Proteins

I am a meat lover, always have been and always will be but I try to be sustainable with my meat eating and also stick with lean cuts of meat. Chicken breast, Ground Turkey, Ground Chicken, Fish. These are all implemented in my diet on a weekly basis especially since I workout and lift weights I really need that extra kick.

Salt

I have basically cut out all added salt when I cook at home and instead rely on herbs and spices. i also cook with Red and White Wines which really add a depth of flavor. Occasionally I use Sea Salt for some dishes but this is sporadically.

Skincare

I have completely changed my skin routine, and I wanted to add this in because it has become so incredible important to me. I have had issues with Rosacea for several years and no matter which product I used it was always there. My skin was never balanced and usually itchy and dry. Then I found Rachel at her shop at Mill No 5 in Lowell, and everything changed. Her shop  “Red Antler Apothecary” has all natural soaps, moisturizers, lip care and she even had honey from her bees of which I bought a huge vase of it. It has completely changed the way my skin looks and feels and I refuse to use anything else. My skin is soft, clear and I feel wonderful! Check her out

I hope you all enjoyed these tidbits of my personal wisdom . Please ask me any questions you may have and Ill be happy to help!

Healthfully yours,

Timna