I am so excited to tell you that I had an opportunity to interview Dr. Myron Wentz and Dave Wentz, founders of USANA Health Sciences and authors of The Healthy Home: Simple Truths to Protect Your Family From Hidden Household Dangers. They had some really insightful answers to my questions, and I know their book will be fabulous!
So one of you lucky people are going to get a copy of this awesome book, just become a follower and leave a comment about an inexpensive way you have made your home healthy!
Now take a look at the great answers they had to my questions....
What is one of the most common mistakes people make when trying to make a "healthy" dinner?
Americans have long been taught that meats and starches should be the focus of our meals and that vegetables are simply side dishes. However, the opposite is much healthier for us. Make vegetables the center of your meals and serve whole grains and proteins as your sides.
Portion control is another thing we want to focus on. Frequently, people are making and consuming too many calories. For example, a vegetable lasagna is healthy, but eating too much of it also means you’re taking in quite a few calories from the pasta. We want to have an appropriate intake of calories, but make those calories count by consuming foods high in nutrient value.
For someone who isn't sure where to start with all of this, what is a basic first step/choice someone can make to lead a healthier lifestyle?
In terms of diet, get rid of the processed foods. Instead of reaching for packaged products, which are often heavily salted or made with chemical preservatives, stock your kitchen with fresh, or even frozen, fruits and vegetables. Make sure the calories you get are from the most nutritious and natural foods possible.
Reduce your intake of sugar. It’s surprising how much sugar lurks in packaged foods and restaurant items. When cooking, try cutting down the amount of sugar in a recipe or replacing it with a natural, low-glycemic alternative, such as raw agave nectar or stevia.
Finally, read labels. If something you’re about to purchase for yourself or your family contains ingredients you can’t pronounce or know to be harmful (like artificial flavors or trans fats), don’t take the risk. There are plenty of healthier options these days, and as demand for natural foods increase, we can expect prices and choices to get better.
What would you say to people who say this lifestyle is too expensive?
Take baby steps. The cumulative effect of small changes over the course of weeks, months and years can yield positive, long-term health benefits.
For example, you can start by replacing your plastic kitchen containers with glass ones to reduce the amount of plastic leaching into your food. Then try replacing your household cleaners with natural and homemade alternatives. In fact, homemade house cleaners are significantly cheaper than store-bought varieties so can actually help you save money.
There are plenty of tips in my book, The Healthy Home, for you to try. Don’t try to tackle everything at once. These lifestyle changes can be simple and affordable if you make the changes incrementally.
Ultimately, consider how small expenses today can save you money in medical costs in the future. For example, switching from a lotion loaded with synthetic fragrances and harmful preservatives to a more natural alternative may cost you a little more today, but you’re protecting yourself from chemicals that are linked to health risks. Ask yourself if a few dollars today is worth risking your health, and the health of your family, in the long run?
Any tips on cutting down on the cost of organics and "whole foods?"
Your local farmers market will have the freshest “whole foods” available in your region at an affordable price. Produce that’s in season tends to be cheaper, so when buying organic, buy what’s in the peak of its season.
Getting organic certification can be a long and sometimes costly process, so many local farms sell produce that’s organic, but they don’t necessarily have certification. Ask your local farmers whether they use chemical pesticides, and educate yourself on the organic produce that’s available in your area.
If you have community support agriculture, or CSAs, in your town, consider joining one. Not only will it expose you to a variety of fruits and vegetables that are locally grown and good for you, but often it will cut down on the expense of buying organic produce from the supermarket.
Of course, nothing beats home-grown produce. Try starting an herb garden or growing a tomato plant. It’s an affordable way to have fresh-from-the-garden produce.
How will following these tips and ideas from the book improve our quality of life?
By reducing the amount of toxins you’re consuming in your food, absorbing through your skin and breathing in the air, you’re reducing your risk of developing degenerative diseases and health problems that have been linked to the man-made chemicals and toxins prevalent in the world today.
And making lifestyle changes that you know are protecting you and your family will give you greater peace of mind. Your body is your temple and your home is your sanctuary—treating them both well will give you comfort that you’re doing what you can achieve a long, healthy life.
