If you are human...

you probably make some resolutions, decisions, vows, promises & attempts each January.

Many of these efforts involve food & nutrition.

Sometimes our goals are just to weighty (excuse the pun). And we get discouraged.

You with me so far?

Example, I was going to stop eating all carbs ~ in my head that is.

In my mouth, I was still eating carbs.  Especially when I whipped up those cranberry loaves.  Just really wasn't gonna happen.

And we need carbs. I NEED carbs ~ so rather than be discouraged, I opted for 3 easy changes that would make a difference.

And it is working!  So I want to share...

Here they are my simple easy changes that are making me feel great!

Drink lemon water, use a smaller dinner plate & skip the bread

Duh, right? So easy & so DO-ABLE.

Why did it take me until 2015?  Better late than never, so join me & feel great too.

Here is why you should make these 3 changes to your diet.

Drink Lemon Water:

First thing in the am, drink a large glass of water with a 1/3 of a squeezed lemon.  The water does not have to be warm.  Room temp or even a bit cooler is fine. Drink it all, then want 15 - 30 minutes before you eat.  Easy!

Why:

Lemons are chock full of vitamin C, B complex, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium & fiber.

Drinking lemon water:

• Boosts your immunity - all the vitamin C.

• Cleanses your system - flushes out the toxins by enhancing enzyme function, stimulating your liver.

• Keeps your skin blemish-free - the antioxidants help to decrease blemishes, but wrinkles too! Because it’s detoxifying your blood, it will maintain your skin’s radiance. (not over night, gotta stick with it)

• Helps you lose weight - lemons contain pectin fiber, which assists in fighting hunger cravings.

• Reduces inflammation - overtime it will decrease the acidity in your body, which is where disease states occur. It removes uric acid in your joints, which is one of the main causes of inflammation.

• Gives you an energy boost - lemon juice provides your body with energy when it enters your digestive tract, and it also helps reduce anxiety and depression. (Even the scent of lemons has a calming effect on your nervous system!)

Pretty good return on the investment of a bag of lemons!

Use a smaller dinner plate:

Why:

We are visual beings - one word in support - Instagram.

So if you are trying to reduce your portion size & are still using a regular dinner plate - you will be sad & unsatisfied.

So engage in a bit of an optical illusion - make yourself think you have a hefty portion by reducing the size of your dinner plate.

Believe me, you will fall for it - try it!

Not a tiny plate, the next size down, lunch or salad plate.

I have been doing this since January 2nd and have never felt hungry after dinner.

Now don't go all vertical - fill the the plate with portions that fit.  You won't miss the extra bites & the calories you save over time will add up.  I am already noticing a difference.

Skip the bread:

Why:

I LOVE bread & pound cake - perfect name, right?

Very good bread, but let's face it there are a lot of marginal breads out there that make their way into our mouths.

Save your bread eating for the fresh baguette, a buttery scone, my whole orange cake - make it a treat not a reflex.

Have a "sandwich" wrapped in lettuce or just the meats rolled with cheese. Out to dinner, ask that they not bring a bread basket.  (maybe ask if it very very good & special first - if it is go for it!)  Avoid the lame bagels at the PTA meetings.

Don't deny yourself the best of the "staff of life", but don't bulk up on the tasteless dough.  As you see this loaf was a 'worth it' one!

These simple, yet substantial changes make for better health and nutrition. Give these three a try!

Have you made any changes to your diet this year?

** Kelly **