Jan 7, 2020

Organic tips for eating better in 2020

Organic food company Fresh n’ Lean recently released some tips for eating better in the new year.

Led by brother-and-sister co-CEO’s Laureen Asseo and Thomas Asseo, Fresh n’ Lean specializes in organic dishes made without preservatives, gluten, hormones or added sugar. It recently announced it is launching a Fresh Start initiative to guide people in making healthy changes to their daily habits.

Here are some tips to help you maintain your fresh start throughout 2020 and beyond, according to the company:

Focus on whole foods
Food is the foundation of a healthy lifestyle. It can fuel your busy life, but if you eat the wrong foods, it can hold you back from reaching your potential.

A 2017 study from Harvard researchers found that healthy diets linked to longer lifespans contained similar essential elements — whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and fish or Omega-3 fatty acids.

Eating organic food that’s free of pesticides, chemicals and additives is one element of a healthy lifestyle that can help you reduce disease and obesity risks. Ultra-processed foods, meanwhile, are associated with overeating and weight gain. And a study released in 2018 involving more than 65,000 adults found that those who regularly ate organic food had 25% fewer instances of cancer. An organic, nourishing diet will provide the fuel you need to power you through your busy day.

Choose the right diet for you
You’ve probably heard a lot about the keto diet, which is higher in fats and proteins and low in carbs, and the paleo diet, which centers around lean meats, fruits and veggies, fish, eggs, nuts and seeds, and healthy fats and oils.

Keto, paleo, Protein+ and plant-based eating plans are offered by Fresh n’ Lean. Information about each diet will be shared during Fresh n’ Lean’s Fresh Start initiative.

A diet needs to be the right fit for your needs, so make sure to do your research before committing to any major dietary changes. What works for one dieter might not work for another.

Quality over calories
Traditional diets are often focused on calorie counting. But many reduced-calorie foods actually contain hidden carbohydrates, sugars and sweeteners. And the last thing you need in your diet is high fructose corn syrup.

The key to a great diet isn’t depriving yourself of food — it’s eating high-quality food that satisfies your hunger.

Instead of calorie counting then inevitably snacking later, focus on foods that will help you maintain your diet while also making you feel full.

Salmon and broccoli. Chicken and rice. Salad with olive oil dressing.

A bowl of Greek yogurt and blueberries, or a handful of almonds, are both great snack options. And make sure to choose water over sugary drinks.

Establish an exercise plan – and stick with it
Your diet is only one aspect of your healthy approach to 2020.

A great workout routine can help you burn off calories, improve your mood, and give you more energy.

New Year’s workout routines often fall by the wayside amid our busy lives. Set a workout plan that works for you. Schedule the time to hit the gym and stick to it. Add your workouts to your daily calendar to make yourself accountable to them.

Be realistic about your fitness goals. You might struggle early on, and it’ll take some time to find your groove. Don’t expect to run a marathon right away if you’re just settling into your fitness routine — instead, set measurable, attainable goals that will help you keep making progress.

You can do it! Here’s to a fresh start on your health in 2020.

Above, USDA photo by Peggy Greb.