Improving diet

[ArtVandelay]

Hey guys. So after some reading here, I've decided I'd like to improve my diet. I'm not ready to go all the way and become a vegan or even a vegetarian - I like meat too much - but I would like to try to dramatically cut down on the highly-processed foods I eat.

The only problem is that I'm a senior in high school, so my food options are severely limited. For the past few days I've been looking at what I eat, and it seems like highly-processed stuff is really all over the place. To be honest, it's tough to really think of many less-highly-processed alternatives.

A big things for me is not making too huge of a deal out of this. I'm in pretty good health to begin with, and even though I'd like to eat a little healthier, I don't feel such a pressing need to do it that I want to make a "thing" out of it. I don't want to start eating "weird" stuff... I just want to choose the lesser of two evils, if that makes any sense.

So... what are some tips you guys have for cutting back on the amount of highly-processed stuff I eat? I've already started getting seltzer (which I've always loved) instead of soda when eating out, but that's about it so far. What are some common foods that are good for you or aren't too highly-processed?

Thanks for any tips!

[Xanafax]

OK who are you kidding Vandelay?

I mean why bother even trying to improve your diet! Your already convinced your in good shape, which means whenever it gets a little tough you'll just rationalise it in your mind and go back to the crappy food your used to.

All or nothing baby.

And by the way...weird stuff? Thats fairly subjective my friend.

[Grandiouse]

It's good that you are looking torwards improving your diet. At first, it's going to be a little difficult becaue eating good does require planning. But taking small steps will be beneficial for long term success.

When you eat at school or eat out, try to get foods that are as natural and whole as possible. Maybe chicken sandwiches without any sauce, or salads.

Definitely try to cut back or eliminate processed foods. The rule that I follow is to look at the ingredients and if it contains any chemicals or weird sounding words, I won't eat it.

Right now is the best time to develop some good habits if you are serious about improving your diet. It will go a long way later on.

Keep us posted on how it goes, or if you have any questions

[Rawvolta]

Hi, ArtVandelay!

Great to hear about you willing to improve the diet.

First of all you need to ask yourself : what do I want to get from improving my diet ? Simple 'WHY ' needs to be asked if you want to take some steps.

See...it is very good you are thinking about getting rid of processed foods.But, it is a first step only, and for some of us it is a big one ( if we eat mostly processed food ), for others small ( if they have a goal to dramatically improve the health ).

However you would look as 'processed foods' it is a food that was altered , meaning : cooked, broiled, compound with additives.

If by 'getting rid of processed' means no coca-cola and burgers from fast food at school - it is a small step, but necessary one.
We don't know what have you been eating, so I am assuming : pop tarts for breakfast, pepsi, pizza or something like such.

But almost every packaged food is processed.
So-let us know what is your diet ?

Simply don't eat schools meals, prepare your own ( and we can discus what you'd be willing to eat that would be made by you).

Also - high school girl ( you lucky one! )- you have to be at pretty good health to begin with, because you are young! I am not saying that all young people are healthy, but that results of our lifestyle/diet can come to the surface after sometime of abusing the body.
It all depends.

Meat is highly addictive, that's why you like it;-)
Also - you don't really like meat, but all the altered state of meat ( cooked, fried, seasoned ).
Wish you all the best and tell us more about what you eat and how committed to making health changes are you.!