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What is the problem with most new year's resolutions? It is the same problem any radical change has; unless we have a will power of steal, they are non-sustainable. Radical changes are hard to make, and even harder to keep. That is why I encourage you to start slow, and take increasing steps toward that goal of living an Alkaline Lifestyle. Livestrong.com is to me a great source of information and tips to living healthier. I found in their website a fabulous article with 5 steps to an alkaline lifestyle.

How to Eat Alkaline Foods

Maintaining an alkaline diet is essential to avoiding the health risks associated with an unbalanced bodily pH. According to the University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center, foods with high acidity levels give off hydrogen ions in water while forming salt in the body. While it is difficult to completely eliminate the presence of acidifying foods in your diet, a coordinated meal plan consisting of high-alkaline vegetables and fruits can make a significant impact on your overall pH.

Step 1

Write a weekly meal plan that includes three to five meals consisting of primarily alkaline foods. Search a detailed listing of acid and alkaline forming foods such as the charts available at the Rense or Wolfe Clinic websites and create a list of alkaline foods you want to eat, such as broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, celery, chard greens, alfalfa, green beans, lettuce, kale, cucumber and garlic.

Step 2

Research recipes and meal ideas for preparing alkaline foods by visiting the Balance pH Diet website or creating your own recipe ideas. Make a list of all the ingredients you will need to prepare your alkaline meals and visit your local farmers market or organic food store to purchase your produce and other ingredients.

Step 3

Prepare a salad with three or more alkalizing vegetables recommended by the Wolfe Clinic. For a mixed green alkaline salad, select at least 1 cup each of organic chard greens, kale and green spinach and rinse your vegetables with filtered water. Prepare your vegetables in a salad bowl for serving and season with an alkaline dressing of 3 tbsp. of tamari and organic alfalfa sprouts.

Step 4

Eat alkalizing fruit such as organic apples, bananas and cantaloupe throughout the day to reduce the urge to reach for a more acidifying snack. Peel and cut each fruit with a kitchen knife and store in a Tupperware or other plastic container. Shake the container to evenly mix the fruits and take bites of your organic fruit mix throughout the day.

Step 5

Reinforce your alkaline diet by curbing your intake of high-acid foods and substances such as soft drinks, coffee, meat and dairy products. According to the Wolfe Clinic, the most optimal ratio of alkaline to acid-forming foods is 75:25. Keep track of your daily consumption of alkaline and acidifying foods, snacks and beverages to make sure you are meeting your diet goals.

Tips and Warnings

To test your bodily pH , ask your doctor for a urine or blood test to get an accurate reading of your body's current acidity or alkalinity level. For less intensive testing, pH strips are available at many drug stores and can provide a quick estimate of your current pH level. Consult your doctor or personal physician before embarking on a radically different diet to make sure you are taking into consideration all of the vital minerals and nutrients you need to function normally.

Things You'll Need

Organic chard greens Organic kale Organic green spinach Organic alfalfa sprouts 3 tbsp. tamari Kitchen knife Tupperware or other plastic container

References

University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center: Acidity Medline Plus: pH Urine Test The Wolfe Clinic: Acid and Alkaline Food Chart Rense: Detailed Listing of Acid and Alkaline Forming Foods Balanced pH Diet: Alkaline Diet Recipes

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