Entry#1: Swap it!

In today's fast-paced world, it is convenient to pick takeout, which is readily available, over cooking at home. But have you ever thought about the impact those constant choices have on our health? It is easy to forget the connection between what we consume and how we will feel after. For many of us, especially those facing health issues like me, what we consume becomes more than just fuel; it's how we regain control of our life.

Cooking at home becomes a way to reconnect with those ingredients that go into our body. Learning how each ingredient affects and benefits us is a practice that allows us to be intentional about the meals we curate for ourselves. This is how I plan to expand my longevity, cooking. I'd like you all to join me in this lifestyle change to find what works and doesn't work. While cooking is the best way to achieve control, we all can't afford the extra time to spend in the kitchen. For this reason we will also be explore wiser choice when we're in that drive thru lane.

Image: iStock by Getty Images

Let's start easy with choices we can make when going with the fast food route. Think about the last time you ordered, did you go for that number five from Whatabuger?   I bet you went for the Whatameal, large, with fries, didn't you? Well did you know they have options for lower calorie meals? You can have that burger, we just need to make a few substitutes. Being a foodie, in my free time, has taught me the ins and outs of finding alternatives at any restaurant. I've taken this lifestyle change very seriously and want other to know you're not alone. With a little guidance, we can all achieve control over what we consume. Another example of a healthier alternative we can make is trying my personal favorite, chicken nuggets. I know, I know, McDonalds chicken nuggets is imbedded into us at a very young age with those cute darn Happy Meal's that they're so good. Well what if I said you could still enjoy your nuggets while also being health. In an article I read, grilled chicken nuggets from Chick-fil-A are a fraction of calories compared to those from McDonalds. With just one substitution here and there it comes easier to go for the healthier options as time goes on.

Image from melmagazine.com: McDonald's nuggets vs Chick-fil-A

DAILY FACT: 

Did you know junk food kills more than smoking does? 11 million to 7 million to be exact.

Like many other, we're trying to live long enough to be here for our partners, or our kids. So an easy way we can accomplish this is by managing what goes into our bodies. I picked up cooking first as a hobby, but later became about my health. Recently, I've had a kick of finding protein packed meals. I've been able to enjoy being a foodie while finding recipes. So here's one of the first recipes I found. In todays recipes pages, the author has been more attune with the importance to making healthier choices, so they not include easy keto swaps for people like us in search for tasty but healthy alternatives. This Philly Cheesesteak Stuff Peppers is packed with protein and oh, my, god, is it filled with flavor. 

Do not get discouraged on where to start, I am here to guide you now. When first starting off, there is a bunch of websites and information out there. I will be that buffer in bringing you the best recipes, and the latest news on health that's out there. Let's take this journey together. Let's get healthy. We only get one try at this life, unfortunately, so let's make the best of it-one swap at a time.

Appetite always strong (just make sure it's for the good stuff),

Danielle V.