Monday, July 7, 2014

Challenge #1: Clean Out the Pantry!

Challenge #1


First step to successfully live by a "healthy lifestyle" would have to be avoiding temptation. We all get those awful cravings around 8 or 9 o'clock where we aren't tired enough and dinner was too long ago... The reason why we are not able to refuse those crunchy potato chips or that milky chocolate is because it is all part of a biological process.

Our brain is stimulated by sugar and fat through the neurotransmitter, dopamine. When we eat those sugar coated, fat drenched foods, we are flooded with that "feel-good" brain chemical, which is only temporary and why we are tempted to keep going back from more and more.




But what we need to realize is that when we get those late night cravings, our brain is looking for nutrients, not empty calories, so if you aren't getting nutrients, the brain keeps going back for more.



So now your challenge is to toss the processed, you can't stop eating until it's all gone, FOOD. All it's doing there on that shelf is TEMPTING you. So why have it? Replace it with nuts, dry (no added sugar) fruit, agave nectar, ANYTHING whole grain (cereals, pasta, quinoa), cacao nibs, chia seeds, GREEN TEA, coconut oil, dates, coconut shavings... Once you think about the possibilities, they truly are ENDLESS.



I know those aren't enough examples and you're thinking "how are these foods supposed to suppress my cravings". Another key to overcoming defeat in the wellness world is to PLAN ahead. Make those date/cacao balls the day before (recipe coming soon), whip up those all-natural oatmeal cookies that day. This also means that you can't rely on processed, ready to eat foods that are conveniently all in one aisle at the grocery store.


So start with this challenge, clear your pantry and start your journey with no speed bumps in the road! 





And look forward to another blog post on the DO's and DON'T of stocking up your fridge/pantry!



please note: none of there photos were taken by me, they were found on google images & tumblr. If you wish representation of any of these images please let me know! 

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