This opening edition of HH101 will give tips on how to wean yourself off the S.A.D.
By Nakeasha Johnson

Your diet affects so many aspects of your life whether you believe it or not. Our emotional, physical, and spiritual health is all connected to what we put in our mouth. So we have to look at what and how we eat from a radically different from the perspective other than the standard American diet (S.A.D.). Shifting the paradigm with something like your diet may seem impossible, but trust me it is not. Let your food be your doctor or healer. Take simple steps that will be the pathway to the change that you may feel is needed.

1. STOP BUYING PROCESSED (READY MADE) FOODS

Problem: I know that you are busy and may feel as though you do not have the time to cook frequently during the week.
Solution 1:
Determine the day of the week that you have the most free time and cook several meals. Package them to be stored in the freezer for later on in the week. When you are ready for the meal, simply take it out of the freezer and place the meal in an oven safe pan and reheat. (In the long run, you will save money on your grocery bill also)
Solution 2:
If the first solution has you still complaining that you do not have the time to cook several meals on a specified day of your choice, then every night that you cook during the week double or triple your portions and freeze the extra portions for later meals.

2. INVEST IN GADGETS THAT MAKE IT EASIER FOR YOU TO COOK

Problem: No one wants to spend 1 to 2 hours doing prep work for meals (It’s tedious and exhausting. Oh, did I mention that idea of prepping for that long makes you want to throw a knife at the wall, LOL)
Solution 1:
Invest in a GOOD blender/food processer! Everyone cannot afford a Vitamix blender, but you can prioritize skip some luxuries and spring for a lesser expensive type (I use the Ninja Mega Kitchen System and yes, it is a life saver!)
Solution 2:
Whatever task that you hate the most regarding cooking, find a gadget to make it easier for you. So if you hate cutting apples buy an apple slicer, if you hate cutting herbs then buy herb scissors. I would continue but I am sure you catch my drift.

Whatever tasks take up the most of your time in the kitchen try to automate or simplify them. When you make kitchen tasks easier for yourself, then you will be more likely to stick to the dietary changes. I understand how change can sometimes seem overwhelming. The biggest challenge in any type of change is doubt and the easiest action is the taking the first step. This is about taking the first step! No one expects you to go Vegan or Raw Vegan after reading this. This is about you taking control and making a conscious choice to simply make better choices for yourself and your family. Be Healthy and Thrive!