Periodic Evaluations Can Lead to Improvements

The other night I saw a commercial that shows a woman grocery shopping and talking about the possibility of government taxing unhealthy food choices–specifically sugary beverages like soda.
As she places a liter of lemon-lime soda in her basket she states that she "doesn’t need the government telling her how to shop for her family."

Let me begin by stating that I don’t want to get into the political debate of whether or not we should tax unhealthy foods.
I’d rather use this as a platform for us to examine our current food choices and see if and where we can make improvements.

I can tell you first hand that it’s easy to fall into bad habits.
Many times we don’t even recognize the nutrition choices we’re making might not be the healthiest options for our families.
Let’s face it–when you see that sports drink or soda pop commercial showing smiling faces and fun activities you don’t associate that product with weight gain, increased blood sugar and the related health risks.
Over time, buying multiple bottles of soda, fruit flavored "juice" and sugary sports drinks becomes the norm.
This is why we need to take every opportunity we are given to reevaluate our food choices.

Take a moment and ask yourself how such a tax would affect you and your family.
If you’re among those who would feel an impact, why not make a change?
Not only would the issue become a moot point for you, but you’d be providing healthier products to your family.
Sports drinks purchased for practices can become bottled water, fruit flavored punch at breakfast or lunch can change to 100% fruit juice and fresh brewed iced tea can replace sugary, carbonated beverages.
And, while you’re doing that reevaluation you might also want to see where certain pre-packaged snacks can be replaced by whole fruit or cut up vegetables.

Our Top 10 Meal Planning & Shopping Tips can help you make any necessary changes.
Just as those old choices became habit, these new, healthier ones will also catch on–and you’ll be glad they do!