I recently read some inspiring words that I took to heart for 2019*.  So, my next few posts will be a little different than usual.  For three posts, I want to share some of my motivation for 2019.  I have divided it into 3 categories.  Today’s category is FOOD.  Here are my top 5 food related changes for 2019.

Stop consuming caffeine.  Being dependent on caffeine isn’t good.  I gave up diet colas years ago, but seem to have a tough time with coffee and tea.  My goal is to switch out the beverages with caffeine to herbal teas.  They say it takes 2 weeks to create a habit so it may be a rough 2 weeks!  But, I am looking forward to getting rid of the false energy source!

Consume 30 grams of protein within the first 30 minutes of walking up.  This keeps you full longer and keeps blood-sugar levels steady as well as eliminates white carbohydrate cravings.  It is hard to do because it takes some planning.  Not a big eggs person, a planned-in-advance protein shake is my best bet!

Stop consuming refined sugar.  I have done this successfully in the past with amazing results.  EVERYTHING looks and feels better without sugar!  Studies have proven that even our brains experience a radical change when sugar is eliminated!  I usually slip back to eating it when something rough in my life is going on…not good!  It does take some work to avoid this stuff that seems to be in everything, but it is SO worth it!

Eat at least one meal with family each day.  This was something we took seriously in my family when my children were growing up.  We always made sure we spent our dinners together each day.  Now that that the children are grown, I can’t have us all together every day, but I want to create a time when all my family gets together for a meal as part of my routine.  I know It can’t be every day, but it will be on a regular basis.

Buy a juicer and juice a few times per week.  I know how healthy juicing is – a great way to get tons of vitamins and nutrients from fruits and vegetables.  I have wanted to make juicing a part of my routine for some time now.  I love the idea of adding lots of greens into my system with something I can drink and I love the idea of making green drinks myself rather than purchasing them.  The parts I don’t like?  1. It seems pretty expensive to buy all the organic fruits and vegetables to put into the juicer.  2. Making space in my kitchen to house the juicer.  But, these things aside, I am making a commitment to myself to do more research on juicers for 2019 in the hopes that I may convince myself to purchase one at some point during the year.

I hope you are inspired to consider some changes in your eating habits for the upcoming year!

Thanks for stopping by!  Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

*The article I read online that originally inspired me is titled 50 Ways Happier, Healthier, And More Successful People Live On Their Own Terms by Benjamin P. Hardy.  I have recommended it to everyone close to me to read.   I credit Mr. Hardy for providing a great outlook to live life’s best!  I encourage you to read the article.