I was sitting at a restaurant the other day and just observed what people were eating and drinking. This particular place would be considered a fast food type of place but with many healthy choices. The thing I always find funny is that almost everyone buys a soda with their otherwise healthy-ish meal.
Why pair your salad or fish taco with a drink we know is not very healthy? Well, because it tastes good. Does it? My sister could not give up her diet soda yet I couldn't stand the taste. Many people I've talked to who drink diet Coke or Pepsi told me they didn't like it when they first tried it but switched because it was "healthier" and now they prefer it. Why does this happen? When I was young I thought I preferred Pepsi over Coke but as I got older Pepsi tasted too sweet and I switched to Coke. Over the past 6-7 years I've all but eliminated both from my diet (except for the occasional Jack/Rum and Coke) and really don't like the taste of plain Coke at all. The point is that tastes change and can even be learned. As I decreased my addiction to white sugar ( yes, addiction ), the less I liked the taste. The more whole foods I eat the more I prefer them. When I need something sweet I make a cashew and date bar or eat a spoonful of almond butter with a drop of pure honey.
OK, I'm rambling. The point I'm trying to make is that you can re-learn or re-train yourself off of these very unhealthy soda's. Take baby steps. Try to switch to iced tea with honey. What ever you do don't switch to diet soda because you think it is healthier. It is not. Both diet and regular Coke/Pepsi have caffeine and phosphoric acid. This combination is associated with loss of bone mineral density and osteoporosis. Also, diet soda has repeatedly been shown to correlate with weight gain and increased incidence of metabolic syndrome. If you really want to save calories and money, just ask for a cup of water with your meal. Throw in a lemon wedge if your feeling crazy.
Now for the good stuff. My wife made Paleo Empanadas last night and I continually had to ask her if it was really paleo. The crust was like a flaky croissant. Probably my favorite paleo recipe so far.
If you have any questions or comments my email is brian@hellerchiro.com and my office numbers are:
Costa Mesa: (714) 557-9454
Corona: (951) 279-8900
Paleo EmpanadaAuthor: Ashley Thomas
Serving Size: 6 Empanadas with filling left over.
Ingredients Filling
Empanada crust
Instructions
Filling
Empanada Crust
Notes
You will have a good amount of extra filling left over. I keep this in my fridge and make more empanadas during the week.
Dr. Heller can be seen in Costa Mesa on Wednesdays and Fridays and in Corona on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Both offices are open six days a week.
Costa Mesa - (714) 557-9454
Corona - (951) 279-8900
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2900 Bristol St c105
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 557-9454