This year, instead of coming up with an unrealistic list of New Year’s resolutions, I’ve decided to try to incorporate a few simple changes into my everyday life. Each week, I’ll think of a new change and try to implement it. For example, this week, I’ve decided to take on what I like to call “the whole grain challenge.”
Instead of trying to eliminate not-so-healthy foods from my diet, I’m trying to add at least one serving of healthy whole grains. According to the Whole Grains Council, consuming at least 3 servings of whole grains daily can:
* reduce the risk of stroke by 30-36%
* reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes 21-30%
* reduce the risk of heart disease by 25-28%
(To view even more health benefits of whole grains, click here.)
One of my favorite whole grain snacks contains few calories and a reasonable amount of fat: Orville Redenbacher’s 100-calorie popcorn packs. They’re the perfect size for one and taste particularly good with a (small) handful of your favorite candy. Just don’t go overboard with the sweets!
Here are a few of my favorite combinations:
- Popcorn + Dark Chocolate M&Ms
- Popcorn + Candy Corn
- Popcorn + Dark Chocolate Nonpareils (like Sno-Caps)
Spring the shopping list!Will eating more whole grains simplify my life? Probably not, but I still think it’s a good idea!
Tags: health, new year's resolutions, popcorn, realistic, recipe ideas, resolutions, shopping list, springit!, whole grains
I disagree…I DO think eating whole grains will simplify your life. If being healthy, feeling good and reducing the chances of certain illnesses & diseases doesn’t constitute simplifying your life (even if it just minimizes the amount of worrying you do about your health), I don’t know what does! BTW…I love the combination of Popcorn with M&Ms!