Stop drinking Soda of any kind!
High Fructose Corn Syrup is America’s #1 problem, leading to high obesity rates.  It has been suggested that Artificial Sweetener is broken down by your body into a Free Radical Glutamic Acid, a major contributor to the cause of cancer.

Read labels for content
Watch labels for the amount of sugar, which can be listed in many ways (i.e“Malted”).  Also, MSG is listed in many forms, and goes by many different “hidden names”. It also breaks down into Free Radical Glutamic Acid.

Buy a scale
America’s meal portion size has doubled in the past 20 years. Restaurant size portions can be up to five times what the body requires a single meal.  A small electronic scale found online for under $50 will work great for you to watch what portions you are really eating.

Eat more natural foods
Healthy meal portions should be 50% vegetables and fruit. Have plenty of fruits around when it becomes snack time. It will give you more energy and you won’t regret it later.

Stay away from fast foods
Convenient foods are the worst because they are loaded with sugars, white flours and MSG. This combination has been shown to actually make you hungrier. Try to choose the healthy option. Remember some salad dressings can ruin a healthy choice.
Stay organic where you can
If a cow or chicken is receiving antibiotics and hormones on a farm, you are too when you drink the milk or cook that piece of meat.

Alcohol in moderation
Red wine has been shown to lower blood pressure and has a high level of antioxidants.  No binge drinking, remember alcohol is a “Dead” calorie, no nutritional value at all.

Eat whole Grains
In the flour refinement process, except for the carbohydrates, most of the nutrients are removed. An average of 60% of the B vitamins has been removed.  An average of 70% of all minerals has been removed. 75% of the fiber has been removed. An average of 20% of the protein has been removed.

Proper cooking technique
Avoid too many “Fried Foods” You need to use cooking techniques that will remove the fat while keeping the flavor.  Try steaming, or grilling food as an alternative.

Don’t get discouraged
It takes time to change your eating habits because they have been engrained into you all your life. It won’t change over night, you have to keep working at it and be committed.  Awareness of what you are really consuming is the first step towards a more healthy diet and happy body.

Mike Marlin is professionally trained executive chef and nutritional consultant.  He is the owner and executive chef of the MushRoom Catering Company, which he founded in July of 2000.  His customized services include production of customized specialty gourmet menus in addition to offering in home private chef and culinary cooking classes. He is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, N.Y. where he received top honors as a member of the Gourmet Society and was a leading member of the CIA culinary team.  His professional resume as a chef includes some of Southern California’s most popular and well know gourmet restaurants such as: Tommy Bahamas in Newport Beach where he served as Executive Chef, Scott’s in Laguna Niguel, Roy’s of Newport on Fashion Island in Newport Beach, and The Hobbit in Orange just to name a few.   Mike is a regular contributor to Balance 24/7 where helps clients gain a genuine understanding about how to eat healthier and offers simple and practical solutions on how to transition to a diet that allows each person to achieve better overall balance and harmony.   If you would like to receive more tips on how to better improve your eating habits, sign up for the monthly Wellness Newsletter at www.balance247.com

Questions: Mike Marlin
Email: msmarlin1@excite.com

www.balance247.com