ARTICLE REPLAY!! Tips for starting a natural diet

A recent great -"get you started" article for eating in a GOOD KARMA EATS way. When I say diet, I don't mean eat nothing but cabbage for 10 days, a mean a lifestyle refresh. By cutting out the processed foods, you would be surprised how quickly you will see a reduction in weight, and an increase in energy. Trust me I have been there...
Article Courtesy of Livestrong.com

A natural diet contains foods that are wholesome, nutritious and consumed in their most natural state. The host of commercially processed convenient foods available present temptations to stray from the healthier foods. Fortunately, you can take steps to clean up your eating habits and stick with a natural diet.


Avoid Processed Foods
Processed foods come in a box, can or carton and are ready-to-eat items most often selected for their convenience--they are fast and portable. However, they often lack nutritional value as a result of processing so avoid them when following a natural diet. Instead, regularly purchase fresh produce, use hand-cut meat instead of pre-packaged deli slices for sandwiches and eat fruit instead of pastries for desert.

Eat Organic Foods
The word organic refers to the way farmers grow and process agricultural products such as fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy products and meat. Although no evidence proves that eating organic food is better for your health than other food, organic foods are hormone-free and raised in their most natural state. Purchase foods, such as fresh produce or eggs, with a United States Department of Agriculture seal because these items are 100 percent organic. You can also buy foods marked as simply organic because these foods are at least 95 percent natural or foods that are made with organic ingredients; at least 70 percent organic.

Drink Water
Water serves many functions in your body and drinking water--at least eight cups each day--is important for a natural diet. Water transports nutrients throughout your body while also flushing waste and toxins from your blood, body tissues and cells. There are diet plans that include detoxifying drinks as a means to achieve a natural diet, however, those drinks are not backed by science and can contain commercially processed ingredients. Additionally, avoid soft drinks and sugary sodas as they only contribute artificial sugars and sodium to your diet. Drink water as your main source of refreshment because it will cleanse your body naturally.

Shop the Perimeter of the Grocery Store
Picture the layout of your local grocery store. If you notice, the healthier items are on the perimeter of the store--with the exception of breads, rice and cereals--while the packaged and less healthy foods are concentrated in the center aisles. For a natural diet, do most of your grocery shopping on the perimeter of the store to purchase produce, eggs, milk and dairy products and meat. Visit the center aisles for whole grain items but avoid the pre-packaged sweets on the next shelf.