Being a vegetarian, I often lack protein and iron in my diet. I notice when I am seriously lacking in these essential nutrients when I begin to feel nauseous. I am borderline anemic so it is especially important for me to have an iron substitute in my diet. I try to eat foods, other than meat obviously, that have some iron content to even things out, but I take a vitamin daily as well.

Since I started taking this nutritional supplement, I have felt stronger and healthier because of the iron being put back in my system. I don’t get tired as easily and I have noticed a decline in how often I get headaches. Although it is always best to try and get nutrients from foods rather than pills, if your diet doesn’t allow you to eat all the food groups than vitamins are a good option.

One of the best ways to eat healthy is to remember that ‘treats’ are called ‘treats’ for a reason, and act accordingly. I often find myself with a tub of ice cream in front of me on a nightly basis, and although my diet is pretty healthy in general, eating ice cream every night is not. To eat healthy, most nutrition and medical experts advise staying away from sweets and salty foods. Although, I’ve also heard that “everything in moderation” is a good practice to follow as well. If you limit your intake of sugar and salt, it seems like a little now and then won’t hurt.

Now I’m trying to work on limiting how often I am eating treats. This is sometimes hard because I feel like having ice cream every night isn’t the worst thing for a person, especially if I keep the portion size down. I guess it’s best to try to cut down how often I am eating such things, as well as how much I eat of it each time. I always try to balance my intake of “bad” foods by eating three times as many “good” or “healthy” foods. Make a list and see if you can follow it.

One of my staple recipes is whole wheat pasta with vegetable alfredo sauce. So simple, yet so delicious. I cook the pasta and put it to the side. Then, I dice up some green and golden bell peppers, onions, spinach, tomatoes and whatever else I have lying around that I think will be good in the alfredo sauce. I put the vegetables in a pan with olive oil and sauté them until tender.

While they are cooking, I simmer the alfredo sauce, stirring occasionally until it is warm. I add extra parmesan and feta, and some black pepper and parsley if I have it. I add the vegetables and stir it up, then put it on the pasta! Yum! Cooking using your own recipes is so much fun, and can be healthy at the same time! My favorite thing to do is ask my friends and family for their favorite recipes, then I add some of my own ingredients to put a personal touch on them.