Renew You Challenge

Let’s start this week off right!

Weekly challenge (I mean opportunity!) to help set you off on the right foot and in the right direction for bringing health to your week. You could even add it to your calendar. Join us!

I keep hearing about nutrient-dense foods, and I like that term because it places high importance on foods that contain a high amount of nutrients, like fruits and veggies, beans and legumes, nuts and seeds, lean proteins and healthy fats like olive oil and fish oil.

In contrast, the term “empty calories depicts a food high in calories, but low in nutrients. Empty calories can be found all around us—often in processed foods high in refined flours and added sugars. These foods pack the calories (don’t forget the pounds and the negative health effects, too!) but lack the nutrients.

This week, adopt a new general rule (a very good general rule, I might add): try to eat as many nutrient-dense foods as you can, and minimize (or eliminate!) empty calories. Replace your sweetened beverages with non-sweetened green tea. Replace your dinner roll with extra veggies! Say good-bye to that ice-cream dessert and hello to some fruit with plain yogurt. These choices get easier to make over time, and your body will thank you.