Tag: Food

How Cutting Out Soda Elevates Your Well-Being

by Suzanne Horrocks Wellness, posted in Drink More Water, selfcare, Stop Drinking Soda, Uncategorized

Hey everyone!

Today, let’s talk about something that’s a staple in many people’s diets but often stands in the way of living a healthier, happier life: soda. Yep, those fizzy drinks might seem harmless, but they pack a punch that can knock your health goals off track. Let’s dive into why kicking the soda habit is a game-changer and how it moves you closer to the vibrant, healthy lifestyle you deserve.

The Sneaky Culprit: Sugar Overload

First off, let’s talk sugar. Soda is loaded with it, and not the natural kind you find in fruits, but the added, refined sugar that doesn’t do your body any favors. This sugar contributes to weight gain, spikes in blood sugar levels, and can even lead to type 2 diabetes. By cutting out soda, you’re drastically reducing your sugar intake, which is a major step towards managing your weight and keeping your blood sugar levels steady.

Calorie Bombs

One can of soda can have as many calories as a small meal, but without any of the nutritional benefits. These empty calories add up quickly and can lead to unwanted weight gain. By eliminating soda, you’re reducing your caloric intake, which can help you shed those extra pounds and feel more energetic throughout the day.

Say Goodbye to Crashes

Ever notice how you feel on top of the world right after drinking a soda, only to crash hard a little while later? That’s the sugar high followed by the inevitable sugar crash. When you stop drinking soda, you avoid these energy spikes and crashes, leading to more stable energy levels throughout the day. This means no more mid-afternoon slumps where you feel like you can’t keep your eyes open.

Hydration is Key

Soda might quench your thirst momentarily, but it doesn’t hydrate you the way water does. In fact, the caffeine and sugar in soda can lead to dehydration. By swapping soda for water, you’re keeping your body properly hydrated, which is crucial for everything from digestion to skin health to maintaining your energy levels.

Better for Your Teeth

Soda is notorious for wreaking havoc on your teeth. The combination of sugar and acidity can lead to cavities and enamel erosion. Giving up soda means you’re protecting your teeth and gums, leading to fewer trips to the dentist and a brighter smile.

Mindful Choices

Choosing to stop drinking soda is a step towards making more mindful decisions about what you put into your body. It’s about being aware of how certain foods and drinks affect your health and making choices that support your overall well-being. This mindfulness can extend to other areas of your life, helping you to make healthier choices consistently.

Setting an Example

When you make healthy choices, you inspire those around you to do the same. Whether it’s your family, friends, or coworkers, your decision to ditch soda can motivate others to think about their own health and make positive changes. Plus, it feels great to know that you’re leading by example and contributing to a healthier community.

Celebrate the Small Wins

Every time you choose water over soda, you’re celebrating a small win that adds up to big changes over time. These small victories are empowering and can boost your confidence as you continue on your wellness journey. Remember, it’s all about progress, not perfection.

Why Make Healthier Choices?

So, why go through the effort of making healthier choices? Because you’re worth it! Living a healthy lifestyle isn’t about depriving yourself; it’s about nourishing your body, feeling good, and enjoying life to the fullest. When you make healthier choices, you have more energy, a clearer mind, and a stronger body. You’re better equipped to handle stress, stay active, and enjoy the moments that matter most.

In conclusion, ditching soda might seem like a small change, but it’s one that can have a big impact on your overall health and well-being. It’s a step towards a more mindful, vibrant, and healthier you. So, let’s raise a glass (of water) and toast to making choices that support the amazing, healthy lifestyle you deserve!

Cheers to your health! 🥂

Feel free to share your own experiences with cutting out soda and how it’s impacted your health journey in the comments below. Let’s support each other on this path to wellness!

Unlock Your Healthy Lifestyle: Three Keys to Reducing Sugar In Your Diet

by Suzanne Horrocks Wellness, posted in Cooking, Food, Natural Solutions, Stop Drinking Soda

Welcome, health seekers!

Are you ready to unlock your healthy side?

Let’s begin by looking at the top three keys to reduce the amount of sugar you are consuming. These three keys pave the way to a healthier you and lead to improved well-being and vitality.

Key #1: Mindful Awareness

The first key to reducing sugar consumption begins with cultivating mindful awareness. Take a moment to investigate your current sugar consumption and its sources in your diet. Are you indulging in sugary snacks and beverages throughout the day? Are there hidden sugars lurking in your favorite packaged foods? By becoming aware of your habits, you empower yourself to make informed choices and take control of your health.

Start by reading food labels diligently, paying close attention to hidden sugars such as high-fructose corn syrup, dextrose, and sucrose. Consider keeping a food journal to track your sugar intake and identify patterns. Mindful awareness lays the foundation for meaningful change, setting the stage for a healthier lifestyle.

Key #2: Nourishing Alternatives

Once you’ve developed mindful awareness, it’s time to explore nourishing alternatives to satisfy your sweet cravings. Nature offers a bounty of wholesome options that delight the taste buds without wreaking havoc on your health. By incorporating fresh fruits like berries, apples, and citrus into your diet, you get to enjoy natural sweetness along with a host of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

You can also experiment with homemade treats using natural sweeteners such as raw honey, maple syrup, or dates. These alternatives add sweetness to your recipes while providing additional nutritional benefits. Get creative in the kitchen and discover new ways to indulge in delights that support your well-being.

Key #3: Empowering Education

Knowledge is power when it comes to reducing sugar consumption and reclaiming your health. Take the time to educate yourself about the harmful effects of excessive sugar on your body and mind. Learn about the link between sugar and chronic conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, as well as its impact on energy levels, mood, and mental clarity.

Explore alternative resources, books, and documentaries that shed light on the sugar industry’s influence and the prevalence of hidden sugars in processed foods. Arming yourself with knowledge empowers you to make informed choices that align with your health goals. Remember, every decision you make is a step towards a healthier, more vibrant you.

Conclusion

Remember: small changes can bring big results on your journey to optimal health. By cultivating mindful awareness, embracing nourishing alternatives, and empowering yourself with education, you hold the keys to unlock your sweetest health potential.

Ready to take the next step? Visit Suzanne Horrocks Wellness on Podia to discover exclusive resources, courses, and support on your wellness journey. Let’s walk together on the path of vibrant well-being and a life filled with sweetness in every sense of the word.

#StopDrinkingSoda

Breaking the Soda Spell: My Journey to Vibrant Living

by Suzanne Horrocks Wellness, posted in Drink More Water, Food, Growth & Expansion, Natural Solutions, Stop Drinking Soda, Uncategorized

Overcoming my own soda addiction

In my journey to wellness,, I encountered a significant challenge that required both self-reflection and determination: overcoming my own soda addiction. As a wellness guide, it is crucial for me to share this personal story in the hope of inspiring you to make
positive changes in your life.

Growing up, my household had a refrigerator in the garage that was dedicated to soda.. It was filled to the brim with various sodas. The mere thought of those sweet fizzy beverages instantly brings back memories of family gatherings, celebrations, and lazy Sunday afternoons.

As I became a parent myself, I continued the tradition of having soda in my own refrigerator. No one, including my only child, was allowed to have the last serving. I had to
know the next drink was going to be there. It was a horrible thought to imagine wanting a glass of soda and there not being any.

I realized that my attachment to soda was not just about the taste or the refreshment it provided. I had an addiction. It had become a coping mechanism, a crutch that I leaned on during moments of stress or fatigue. It became a symbol of comfort and familiarity, a constant companion through the ups and downs of life. The addiction held a grip on me that I needed to break free of.

Taking the first step towards change was challenging. I acknowledged the emotional
connection I had with soda and understood that overcoming this addiction required determination. I devised a plan that involved gradual reduction and substitution, exactly like the roadmap in this book. Instead of reaching for a cola every time I craved
one, I explored healthier alternatives like herbal teas, cold water, and natural fruit juices.

IT WORKED!

My refrigerator underwent a transformation of its own. Slowly, the space that was once dedicated to soda was now filled with fresh produce, nutritious snacks, and beverages that nourished my body without compromising my well-being.

Breaking the cycle was not easy, and there were moments of temptation when the familiar sweet fizz called out to me. However, my commitment to a healthier lifestyle kept me on track. I learned to appreciate the natural sweetness of fruits and the invigorating effects of drinking water.

Through this journey, I not only overcame my soda addiction but also discovered a newfound sense of balance and vitality. As a wellness guide, I share this story with the
hope that it inspires you to examine your habits, make conscious choices, and embark on a journey towards a healthier, more vibrant life. Remember, every small step counts on the path to wellness.

Your own path to wellness

Starting your journey to quit drinking soda is a wonderful decision that can bring about transformative changes in your overall well-being. Congratulations on taking your first step.

Read more from the Stop Drinking Soda Guidebook and begin your journey to vibrant living.


Cabbage salad with lime cilantro dressing 🥗

by Suzanne Horrocks Wellness, posted in Cooking, Food
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Cabbage salad with lime cilantro dressing 🥗

Hippocrates said it

by Suzanne Horrocks Wellness, posted in Cooking, Food, Uncategorized

Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food. – Hippocrates

Since we are under COVID19 quarantine, I though it may be a good time to talk about food as prevention. I love the quote by Hippocrates because it’s simple and true. The simple truth. Can’t get much better than that.

There are three foods in particular that I wanted to talk about – garlic, onions, and mushrooms.

These foods are simple to add to virtually anything that is cooked. Well, except maybe boiled eggs. Although you could certainly put them with the eggs. Any soup, stews, stir frys, tacos, omelettes (speaking of eggs), anything cooked. My secret, especially with the garlic and mushrooms is to mince them. That means to cut them up into very small pieces. If you’ve ever had a bite of pure garlic, you’ll know why very small is key. And if you are like me and don’t particularly dig mushrooms, very small is key here too.

Here’s the health benefits

Garlic – It’s good for your heart. It lowers cholesterol and lowers high blood pressure.
It has cancer fighting characteristics.
It’s a natural antibiotic.

Onions – They are nutrient dense. High in Vitamin C and high in B Vitamins.
They fight inflammation.
They also lower cholesterol and lower high blood pressure.
They are loaded with antioxidants.
Like garlic, onions have cancer fighting compounds.
They help reduce high blood sugar.
They boost bone density.

Mushrooms – Ancient civilizations worldwide have used mushrooms for their healing properties for thousands of years.
They have immune boosting benefits.
They help prevent respiratory infections.
They boost longevity.

There’s as many benefits as there are ways to use these ingredients.

The way I normally use them is to lightly saute them first, then I can add them to the rest of the ingredients, or vice versa.

By mincing them (except onions. I don’t mince onions but I do chop them fairly small) it’s very easy to not even know they are in the dish. And the flavor boost cannot be beaten.

I’ve been cooking with these so long that I’m not sure I would enjoy my cooking without these flavors.

I could probably write a book about garlic, onions, and mushrooms. In fact, there are probably books written about these precious foods. But I will stop for now.

Tell me, do you cook? If so, do you use these ingredients often?

As a reader-supported blog, I earn commission from affiliate links. Here’s one from Amazon for cookbooks featuring onions, mushrooms, and/or garlic.

https://amzn.to/3w2tMsY