Trade in your Fast-Food Fix

Monday Challenge:

Trade in your fast-food fix

There’s a Facebook page run by some people in the city I live in. It’s a great place to ask which dentist to see or where to get your car fixed. Or to let people know about charitable events or even what roads to avoid due to an accident.

Sadly though, the thing that generates the most excitement is when a new fast-food chain is being built.

Lately, the excitement is all about the new Chick-fil-A that’s almost ready to open. There’s a Wendy’s being built right next to it. And a Dairy Queen Grill & Chill and pizza place right across the street. Go down the street a bit and you’ll find a Dunkin Donuts and a Hardees. And how about that big name gas station that has it’s own full line of fast food offerings? All this and more in just less than a half mile. There’s plenty more choices just down the road.

I find this quite alarming. Do you? You likely see the same thing in your hometown. It’s all about supply and demand.

Frequently eating fast-food is linked to a higher risk of obesity, depression, digestive issues, heart disease and stroke, type 2 diabetes, cancer, and early death.

About 85 million Americans consume fast food every day – are you one?

Your Monday challenge is to give up fast food for the week. Take time to get to the grocery store and prep food to take on the go. Make a plan to eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and beans. Not only will you cut significant fat from your diet, but you just might find that you feel better.

Will you accept the challenge and trade in your fast-food fix for healthier fare?

Let me know in the comments below.

Be sure to hit the LIKE button :)

It’s what we eat when we want something fast and filling

Monday Challenge

Try a Bean-Based Pasta

So I saw these black spaghetti noodles on sale recently at my local ALDIs. And I thought black spaghetti noodles…I just don’t know...

I’ve tried and enjoyed red noodles made from red lentils and green noodles made from spinach so I decided why not give them a try. And they were delicious!

They’re black because they’re made with black soybeans. That’s the only ingredient – organic black soybean flour.

Healthy Eaters have a love-hate relationship with pasta.

Pasta is a comfort food. It’s what we grew up with. It’s what we eat when we want something fast and filling right?

And pasta, because it is cooked in water, doesn’t spike your blood sugar like bread that is made with the same amount of flour.

But what about pasta made from beans? Pasta made from beans, like chickpeas, black beans, and soybeans have more protein, more fiber, and more iron that traditional pasta. Bean-based pasta can have up to twice the protein and seven times the fiber of white pasta.

So go ahead and get your pasta fix 😊

Your Monday challenge is to try a bean-based pasta and reward yourself with better nutrition

I enjoyed my pasta with a chunky sauce and some steamed chard.

How will you enjoy bean-bassed pasta this week?

Post your pasta pics on Instagram and tag me (@sarandwellness)

Or let me know in the comments below.

Be sure to hit the LIKE button :)