The End of McDonald’s, and the Beginning of Healthy Eating
America as a nation is becoming more health conscious. A good indicator of this is the fact that McDonald’s is closing 700 stores this year – admittedly a fraction of the total number of stores worldwide, however still representative of a shift in perspective by consumers. Healthier options are emerging and becoming more popular, such as Chipotle and other gourmet burger chains.
However McDonald’s didn’t get to where they are as a business by ignoring falling sales figures – as such they are currently investigating changes in menu to bring back customers. Removing antibiotic-laced chicken and rBST (hormone) milks, and adding sirloin burgers are some of the more health-conscious options being considered. They may even introduce kale smoothies and salads.
Although the future looks good, an obesity problem affecting over 36% of Americans doesn’t go away overnight. It is up to us as individuals to continue adopting healthier lifestyles.
Embrace New Technology to Live Healthier
New health tracking technologies can contribute to better lifestyles, with various smart phone apps such as FitBit providing convenient methods for tracking diets and exercise.
With certain apps it is possible to scan individual barcodes of food products to see nutritional information then and there, allowing for more informed shopping decisions. Combined with apps that allow logging of diet and exercise, total awareness of your health habits can be very powerful in achieving your goals.
Using these apps also puts you in touch with a broad community of other users that share your goals, are going through the same struggles involved and can offer support. One app takes this community to the next level, making you financially accountable for your commitments: Pact is an app in which you pay up when you don’t meet your goals, or get paid by others that don’t when you do make it.
Simple Steps for Healthier Change
Avoiding the unhealthy options such as McDonald’s and making healthier diet decisions doesn’t have to be difficult. The key is simple, habitual steps for long-term progress. In fact, unless a chronic illness demands an abrupt change in your lifestyle, these types of lasting dietary changes are best implemented incrementally.
Here are some productive steps you can take to become a healthier eater.
Educate Yourself
Knowledge is power; and informed decisions are fundamental to healthier eating. Why bother eating healthier? What are the effects on my health? Educating yourself with respect to these questions will give you better and longer lasting motivation than short-term goals such as appearance.
Meal Planning
McDonald’s represents the convenient option, often coming to the fore when you are stressed out. Healthy eating does require a bit of planning, taking steps such as packing your lunches or researching where to eat out when you need to. Whole Foods, for example, is a great alternative that can still offer very quick meal options.
A Good Grocery List
With some quick planning, your grocery list can start to work for you and even be a bit of fun at the supermarket. You might find you start looking forward to making meals if you have had it planned for the week, and especially if you are trying new things.
Remove the Junk
Say goodbye to old junk foods lying around the house, and clear out the space for healthier options. A bit of comfort food isn’t limited to simple sugars; there are healthy options out there for a nourishing snack.
Cook Larger Meals
Healthier eating definitely requires more cooking, but it doesn’t have to be as time consuming as you think. Cook larger meals and freeze serving sized leftovers for later. Chop and store vegetables for later meals. With preparation, cooking meals can be a very rewarding and healthy experience.
