Ever since the start of the pandemic, my diet have change drastically. I’m 98% vegan now. Minus eating some yogurt, pizza, and honey from time to time. Not only do I have a lot of energy, but my body respond to the diet very well. Here’s my top five tips that’ll get you started to a healthier lifestyle!
Eliminate Sugar and Processed Food and Drinks
Sugar, whether we like it or not, is absolutely horrible for us. Eating too much of it can have many negative health effects. It causes acne, drains energy, and increases a lot of health risks (Kubala 2018). For these reasons, added sugar should be kept to a minimum whenever possible.
Processed food and drinks aren’t great for our body either. Ready meals, baked goods, snacks, and processed meats tend to be high in sugar, have artificial ingredients, refined carbohydrates, and trans fats (Smith 2020). Most drinks have a high concentration of sugar. An excess of sweetened foods and beverages can lead to weight gain, blood sugar problems, and an increased risk of heart disease (Smith 2020).
It killed me to cut my delicious diary ice cream, but my body thanked me for it. Especially my beautiful face. Even when I bake, I try my best to minimize the sugar or use an alternative like honey or agave. Also, try replacing ultra-processed foods with grains, nuts, seeds, lean meats, fruits, vegetables, and legumes.
Drink More Water
Water is a healing element. Around 60% of our body is made up of water (McIntosh 2018). It delivers oxygen throughout the body, boosts skin health, flushes waste, and cleanses the digestive system (McIntosh 2018). Drinking 8+ cups of water will keep you energize throughout the day. Plus water is so versatile. You can add fruits or herbs to make a nice flavorful water. Or replace diary products to make a simple and fresh smoothie. I can never get enough of lemon water. The lemon juice greatly helps cleanse my gut and clear my skin. I also recommend drinking 2 or 3 cups of water when you wake up and go to bed.
Cut Down on the Meat and Diary
Meat, dairy products, and eggs contains cholesterol, saturated fat, and contribute to heart attacks, strokes, diabetes, and various types of cancer. (Krantz 2016) Eating any type of meat posed several serious long-term risks to your health. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reports that 70% of food poisoning was caused by contaminated animal flesh. (Krantz 2016).
Goodbye, ribs, steak, salmon and chicken. It was nice knowing ya, but I need to focus on my overall health. Red meats made me tired and cranky. Doesn’t really help with my PH either. White meats was my last hope, but that dream didn’t last for too long. Seafood doesn’t sit well in my stomach even though I wanted to become a pescetarian. Sigh, don’t give me started on diary products. I balled when I had to eliminate a lot of cheese products, goat milk, and hopefully butter out of my diet. Unfortunately diary increases heart disease, cancer, and causes inflammation (Asp 2022). After the agonizing end, it was worth it. My body is grateful for the new change.
Eat More Fruits and Vegetables
I absolutely love the benefits of eating fruits and vegetables, especially greens. It balanced my PH, increased my strength and stamina, and I’m wayyy more energized than before. Fruits and vegetables are a top source of fiber and other nutrients that are necessary for good health. (McCoy and Millard 2021). In addition, it can help prevent or lower the risk of the illnesses. It’s easy to add more fruits and vegetables to your favorite dishes. Make a list of your favorite vegetable recipes. Think seasonally.
It took me years to finally push myself to eat more fruit and vegetables. I don’t regret it one bit. Many people complain that vegetables, especially greens are bitter and difficult to make delicious. I strongly disagree. Kejaré Cuisine will show alternative ways to cook more vegetables and fruits. You’ll be happily adding them into your own recipes in no time.
Cook More and Stop Eating Out
One of the major goals for Kejaré Cuisine is providing information and resources for people to cook more. Make cooking at home the standard, and dining out as a treat. We all have our moments when we don’t want to step foot in the kitchen. Especially if we work a 9-5, travel long distance, and have other projects to focus on. However, if you find the time to prep and create an efficient menu, I guarantee it’ll help with your healthy lifestyle. Food and eating out is getting expensive. I even have a hard time finding stuff on the menu since I turned vegan (plus spices aren’t good for me either). Energy travels to food too. And from what I’ve seen and experience in working in the kitchen, you honestly don’t know what and how they cook our food.
Don’t Compare
Please don’t compare home cooked meals to restaurant food. We all have our own different styles of cooking, including me. I cook healthy and delicious food. Everything time I make a meal from recipes and videos, it’ll always came out robust. Start with accessible recipes. Learn how to make what you’re craving. Ask for help. Don’t let the tradition of cooking become extinct. It takes a lot of practice and effort to make home cook meals, but you can do it! I believe in you! 🙂
For more blog posts check out my tips to save on costly food.
God Bless,
Kejaré Cuisine
References
Asp, K. (2022, March 31). Is milk bad for you? here are 7 reasons why dairy is unhealthy. The Beet. Retrieved April 7, 2022, from https://thebeet.com/is-milk-bad-for-you-7-reasons-why-dairy-is-unhealthy/
CDC. (2022, March 16). Water and healthier drinks. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved April 7, 2022, from https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/healthy_eating/water-and-healthier-drinks.html#:~:text=Getting%20enough%20water%20every%20day,Keep%20a%20normal%20temperature.
Krantz, R. (2016, February 15). 8 reasons meat is bad for you (yes, even chicken). Bustle. Retrieved April 7, 2022, from https://www.bustle.com/articles/137865-8-reasons-meat-is-bad-for-you-yes-even-chicken
Kubala, J. (2018, June 3). 11 reasons why too much sugar is bad for you. Healthline. Retrieved April 2, 2022, from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/too-much-sugar#TOC_TITLE_HDR_1
McCoy, K., & Millard, E. (2021, July 2). 10 ways to get more fruits and veggies. EverydayHealth.com. Retrieved April 7, 2022, from https://www.everydayhealth.com/senior-health/health-benefits-of-fruits-and-vegetables.aspx
McIntosh , J. (2018, July 16). 15 benefits of drinking water and other water facts. Medical News Today. Retrieved April 7, 2022, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/290814
Smith, J. (2020, May 14). Processed Foods: Health risks and what to avoid. Medical News Today. Retrieved April 7, 2022, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318630
