OK, there already is a thread for healthy lifestyles which is about exercise. But, eating correctly is also very important. I have recently changed my whole lifestyle when it comes to eating and I'm enjoying it completely. I think we need to share tips on what works. I'm not sure where to start. Someone give me a direction, please. Gene

What should we discuss first: Sugar, salt, processed foods, fast foods, fiber, calories, vitamins, organic, vegetables, alcohol, etc. ? Gene

Having to change to a low-sodium diet to combat high blood pressure was what started me thinking about healthy eating. I stopped buying salt-laden ready-made frozen meals for my work lunch, and instead made my own frozen lunches using left-overs from home cooked low-sodium dinners. I also bought a steamer, so I didn't have boil vegetables in salted water, and was pleasantly surprised by how good the steamed veggies tasted.

Yes, most all processed food is overladen with salt. I have no regular table salt in my house. I do use one of many sea salts that I have on hand. Sea salts are loaded with trace minerals. Himalayan and Bolivian Pink salts have something like 84 different minerals in them. There are smoked sea salts. I have Cherry wood, Alder wood, oak, hickory and one called "Bonfire" which is smoked with 8 different hard woods = intense. Point being that if you have some "tasty" salt on hand you will use a lot less and be quite happy with the results. Gene

My favorite sea salt is Black Flake from Cyprus. Flake salts are cool. My most often used sea salt is Red Alaea Hawaiian. Colored sea salts can add a nice touch to a dish. Again, using less salt and enjoying the food more. Gene

I like the alderwood salt..a few grains go a long way.

There is so much to think about with healthy eating... Chronic medical conditons, weight --under or over, lifestyle needs, income, access, educational needs, personal preferences. It can feel overwhelming ...and yet what we eat has a far far far reach on all of that.

When I worked my needs were different. As I age..I am mostly focused on variety and lipids and reducing inflammation.

My most recent " thing " is avocado..using it for health and cholesterol control plus I like it.
No butter spread on things... More cream cheese ...and am using coconut milk when I can.

The last time I directly measured my metabolic caloric use at rest it was around 1100 and so that is not a lot to play around with.

Yes when I first got the Alder wood smoked sea salt I thought it was too strong and did not use it much. Later I used it more and more. Just ordered a refill. Gene

The first time..I had a heavy hand. Now, it is a wee pinch. I like it when I have something that can stand the competition..like salmon

I'm slowly using up all the processed food I have in the house and not buying any more. Except for a bottle of ketchup perhaps. So many things that I used to eat and enjoy but they are all loaded with just way too much sugar and salt. I have no sugar in the house. If I baked that might be different. If I need something sweetened I use Agave nectar or honey. Cannot remember the last time I even did that. Gene

Gene ... both Agave nectar or honey are just different forms of sugar. Sugar in of itself is not "bad". It is the quantity of sugar we have been eating that has been the problem.

We are kidding ourselves when we substitute one form of politically correct form of sugar for another form of sugar.

Cane sugar, fruitcose - corn syrup, agave nectar, honey are not carbohydrates. They are all sugars which the body processes faster than carbs. Manufacturers have been loading all of our foods with sugars and unnecessary calories for years with sugars making our food more unhealthy which makes it harder for us to make good food choices.

You also have to really, really read the labels.

Here's a good one for you for salt. It really had me laughing.

I bought some sauerkraut ... which is basically fermented cabbage for sauerkraut soup. The label said a 15 oz can contained 14 servings of 2 tbs each. Each serving was only 10 calories. Good, yes ? However, each contained 200 mg of salt which is about 8% of the daily recommend amount of salt intake allowed of 2300 mgs. No one eats 2 tbs of sauerkraut. The label was distorted to make it look like it was OK to not worry about the salt intake. It is OK, it you have watched your salt intake for the rest of the day and watch your portion for that meal. But ....

Yes, portion sizes is a great way for the seller to try and fool you about what you will be getting. For many years a 12 oz. can of soda was labeled as 2 portions. Who drinks half a can of soda? Gene

A friend made gluten free pasta and home made sauce from tomatoes I gave her from my garden. So she brought me a plate. I think it qualifies as healthy eating.

Only if you are gluten sensitive! Otherwise a whole wheat may be better.

The best gluten free Inhave EVER had was sweet potato and buckwheat....it actually stretched which is saying something for gluten free.

She needs gluten free but I certainly don't. However, I never turn down a home made meal.

I do not drink milk. I never have milk on hand. Makes some things difficult to create. Coffee creamer substitute can often do the trick, but not always. Found this great idea: white sauce using a can of evaporated milk. My cats do not mind at all if I start having evaporated milk on hand. And, I get to chose the type and amount of salt. Gene

http://www.carnationmilk.ca/re...

I had to have surgery a while ago. Having not seen a doctor in over 40 years, they insisted I see one first. Had my first A1C, cholesterol test, etc. Test results convinced me to change what I eat. First thing gone was soft drinks. To be honest I do not see the need for soft drinks. I also stopped a lot of sugar related stuff: donuts, cake, cookies, ice cream, candy. Fruit juice is as bad or worse than colas. Have not had a pizza in about 3 years now. Have not has a beer in over 10 years. Yes, I still drink a lot, just not beer. Gene

Good for you..not only did you check the sugar...with that list...there went lots of transfats

Eating healthy costs a lot more than eating crap, sorry to say.

I do not agree with that in general. Give us an example perhaps? If I buy ground chuck at the grocery store, cook it myself where I chose the oil and control the salt, it has to be better for me and cheaper than any hamburger at McDonalds. Gene

I think eating crap costs more anna.
I can fix several portions for what a fast food meal will cost

But junk does cost more as in health- toll for sure