Just Say NO: 5 Foods to Cut Out of Your Diet in 2018

Many of us have made healthy goals for the New Year, and those aspirations likely include getting in more hours of physical exercise and/or making healthier choices for our daily calorie intake. While changing out french fries for a salad every now and then is a great way to make a healthy choice, there are a few foods that should top your list of items to cut out of your diet in the new year, including:

Sodas and Sugary Drinks. Sodas not only contain high levels of sugar and a hefty dose of caffeine, but they also contain many artificial colors and flavors that simply aren’t good for you. To quench your thirst, water is a much better alternative since it contains many elements your body needs, and if you want a flavor boost, there are lots of fruits you can add to give your drink some pep!

Processed Meats. Meats that have been processed and packaged contain many added ingredients and preservatives, and usually have high levels of sodium. Not only do these types of meats increase your blood pressure, but they can also up your risk of colon cancer and a host of other health problems. It’s worth taking the few extra minutes to roast a fresh cut of meat yourself. Simply slice it up, store it in the fridge, and you still have the convenience of making a quick sandwich.
White Flour. White bread, pasta, and other foods made with white flour are, essentially, void of nutritional value. Not only that, but they make you gain weight, lead to blood sugar issues, and can also (in the case of crackers and snacks) lead to tooth decay. If you want baked goods, pastas, and even rice, stick to whole grain varieties.

Added Sugars. Obviously sugar is part of life, and moderate amounts of natural sugars are healthy and needed by your body. However, the added sugars in many modern foods are terrible for your health and are unnecessary. While an occasional sweet treat or snack is fine, when it comes to your regular diet stick to naturally occurring sugars (like those in fruits) and limit those to their daily requirement.

When it comes to the foods mentioned above, just say no to having them in your diet this year. Another thing to which you should say no? Paying too much for your health insurance. Each new year means your policies and circumstances change, and that means you could be paying too much for your monthly premium in 2018. Carroll Marshall Insurance is here to make sure that doesn’t happen. We help you evaluate your coverage so you have exactly what you need, at just the right price. To make your appointment give us a call or stop by our Winter Haven office!