Why Special Foods aren't all that Special

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There is no shortage of weight loss programs and health-related posts and stories early on in each new year. Earlier this week a story ran on the news that covered this topic, and the usual solutions to post-holiday problems were offered, with a new one I hadn't heard before- "sleep naked".
That was unexpected!

In my world as a meal planner I am just like everyone else. I seldom do it all perfectly or have it all together. There are days I fall off the wagon too, but I usually dust myself off and climb back up. I don't give up when most people would. I'm here to encourage you to try the same.

If you fell off your health and wellness goals over the holidays, know that you aren't alone, climb back up there and keep going.

Today is about "special" foods: any special diet food promoted everywhere this time of year. Everyone wants a quick fix and companies make their money on those desires.

The thing you need to remember is most of these products have fine print somewhere that states something along the lines of "in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle including plenty of water, exercise, rest, and balanced food choices"... You might lose weight when you buy these overpackaged, overprocessed, and overpriced foods. Or you might not. It depends on more than what special brand of diet food you pick today for dinner or snacks- it's all about overall healthy choices.

You will reap rewards for your health with simple, manageable changes, such as:

• Drink plain water before every meal and snack
• Limit your sugar intake (watch for hidden sugars!)
• Cut out processed foods wherever possible
• Cut out "fat free" everything. It usually includes extra sugar!
• Get more sleep
• Move more than you did last year- make it easy and enjoyable for yourself
• Love yourself exactly where you are right at this moment

I'll share some of my specific New Year's goals and resolutions with you tomorrow. Can you think of other changes you can make for yourself? Will you share them with me?

​Have a wonderful day, friends!
Stacy
 The Meals Maven 2016