Diary of a Nutritionist

Ah, Good ole “New Years Resolutions” and “New Year Goals” for the upcoming year.

Even as a young girl my dad taught me to sit down and visualize what I wanted for the New Year. Of course, as a adolescent, my goals were something like: “Read x number books, get on the honor role, make straight A’s, save x amount of money, become a famous/model actress, and so forth.” But I was still very young (7^th grade) when my personal goals sounded also something like: “get in shape, and have clear skin.”

I wish I had had some direction, or someone to tell me that all of the soda, and processed foods I ate were only harming my body. Add to that: all of the diets I tried later on, (and there were plenty), that never were the solution.

It was only during my last years of college that I began to combine my education, with my fascination for science and human anatomy, and apply it in a way that would naturally (and more effortlessly) heal what had been a great source of pain growing up.

This year, my goals are much more perplex, in the sense that reading a certain number of books for the year of 2012 is not going to be my biggest feat. Some things never change however. On my document creatively entitled, “Lauren’s Goals for 2012,” health is still of utmost importance to me (maybe in a different light…). I have plenty of those little, almost “silly” to some, nutrition related goals for myself (i.e. add less sea salt, chocolate is a treat—not a snack, avoid canned foods, enjoy a diet lower in sugars (even when they are “healthy” sugars, etc.), continue to drink more green juice, and focus on a living, plant-based diet that is right for ME). The goal has always been about feeling good, but this time around it is not just about me. This time around I have walked into a ready-made, and pretty fantastic family.

~ NEW YEAR ~

~ NEW GOALS ~

Bring on the New Year and I was pleasantly surprised… the kids have asked me how they can start eating more healthfully!! For the record this does not mean: “going vegan,” or “forbidding certain foods.” It means having healthier options and smarter alternatives at home (And if you like soda… you will have a chance to snag a cool prize, scroll down to win our family’s favorite alternative to regular and diet sodas).

What I am learning now, more than ever, is that relationships of any kind can require give and take.

Adjusting… transitioning… learning… (woo, “I work out…”)

This applies to our bodies. We cannot constantly give into our wants (notice I did not say needs)…

or somedays I might be having chocolate for breakfast. :)

But we can compromise and find better alternatives. So we try to do as much of the good as we can, with plenty of the “better” than ( fill in the blank ).

The kids can make their own choices when they are not with us.

And they do. 

In our household, sugar, even natural sugar, becomes a factor that must have its limits. Sure, a second, third, and fourth cookie may taste terrific, but the aftermath… not so much.

The body may think it wants the processed stuff, but it most certainly does not need it. That being said, it is not all “broccoli and lettuce leaves” from the get-go, or ever. 

“Transitioning” into a healthful lifestyle is key. When we are hyped up, and used to receiving (and CRAVE) processed foods, sugars, caffeine, candy’s, and sodas to curve cravings, or lift and sustain our energy and moods—the idea of taking these things away, can actually completely turn one off to a better lifestyle. Why do that?

CONTEST! 
WIN YOUR VERY OWN CASE OF ZEVIA. 

It is for this reason that I really enjoy offering Zevia as another option for avid “bubble seekers,” looking to transition into a more balanced lifestyle. While clearly “no carbonation” is far better for digestion, and zero processing is better overall; Zevia is considerably more natural, and far less “addicting” (in the sense that the kids don’t go bonkers and need more) than their highly processed, (and beyond artificial) opponents. Which, by the way… I spent 10 minutes on Coca-Cola’s website only to be led an obscene amount of directions and then finally to where they list their ingredients for Sprite Zero: Carbonated Water, Citric Acid, Natural Flavors*, Potassium Citrate*, Potassium Benzoate* (to protect taste), Aspartame*, Acesulfame Potassium*

It was easy to find the Zevia ingredients: Citrus Grapefruit: carbonated water, erythritol*, citric acid, *stevia extract, grapefruit oil, medium chain triglcerides*, orange oil, lemon oil, lime oil.

*For more information on their ingredients, check it out. While I do not think stevia or erythritol are super products, I do think they are healthier replacements for mass produced and highly processed corn syrups, refined sugars, and artificial ingredients. I personally use stevia. I like my life sweet, and I make no apologies.

While soda will never be a health food in my book, no one every said you couldn’t have fun. Our kids love Zevia. The introduction of Zevia into our household has completely cut the question: “Can we get a soda?” from their vocabulary of requests. It quite cool! We have Zevia weekends, and when they are having a party at school, they get to grab their favorite can of soda for their lunch box (currently root beer is the favorite).

***** We were so fortunate to have Zevia sponsor the mixers at our wedding and now I want to extend the offer to one lucky reader. One of you will win a 24-special rainbow pack of all of their assorted flavors. You cannot buy this assortment anywhere else. ******

~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~~

Want to win? It’s easy! Just make a comment below:

Why do you want to try it? What would be your favorite flavor, do you think?

Or… if not for you? Whom? It could be for a friend. A coworker. Are you throwing a party? It could even be for your kids’ classroom! (Which I need to do because they seem to think… I won’t go there). Contest starts today, and ends on January 12^th. So tweet it up. Have a little fun. 

I’ll contact my random winner the following day. If you entered awhile back, enter again! More comments, tweets, fb shares the better.

Happy Thursday!