As most people know, exercise plays a crucial role in weight loss, but even more important is eating a healthy and balanced diet.
Eating healthy and completely changing the way you go about your day can appear to be somewhat of a daunting task, however if done right, it can prove to be extremely rewarding — especially when you slip into that new bathing suit with ease. The first step to healthy eating begins with knowing where to shop. 
The Valley’s own local market, Luci’s Healthy Marketplace, is a health food grocer and eatery located in Central Phoenix that caters to those who wish to not only eat well, but live a healthy lifestyle.
Luci’s Healthy Marketplace is a neighborhood market that features organic and natural products from quality local and regional purveyors. Many of the food products sold do not contain preservatives and are even gluten-free. The owners of Luci’s, Ken and Lucia Schnitzer, opened the market in 2008 after Luci’s successful battle with breast cancer inspired them to live a healthier lifestyle.
In addition to the market, Luci’s has a full coffee bar and restaurant, providing freshly brewed organic coffee and many different types of teas and healthy beverages. For hectic mornings when preparing a nutritional breakfast is nearly impossible, Luci’s is a great alternative with their freshly cooked breakfast meals that are served all day and, for the health conscious, substitutions of egg whites, gluten-free bread and vegan cheese are available.
Luci’s lunch menu includes a variety of sandwiches, burgers, salads and wraps to name a few. The “Humm-Dinger Vegan Wrap” is the ultimate healthy substitute that includes roasted artichokes, zucchini, red bell peppers, onions, fresh spinach and hummus with a touch of light balsamic dressing.
If you are in a rush, the grab-n-go soups, sandwiches, and salads make 
eating healthy during the busy work week convenient and quick. Eating better doesn’t have to make a dent in your pocket as nothing on Luci’s extensive menu is over the price of $9.99.
According to Luci’s, healthy eating is a significant part of a balanced life. Whether you are trying to change your lifestyle completely or just slim down for the summer, it can be beneficial to incorporate organic health foods into your diet. Exercise alone does not work miracles on your body; what you put into it is what matters the most.
Grocery shopping and planning your meals ahead of time is an essential part of a new diet, as you will find it much easier to eat healthy if those foods are on hand and available to eat. Knowing that you have fresh, organic food in the pantry may diminish that urge to pick up fast-food.
If you are unsure of how to prepare healthy meals, Luci’s has you covered. They offer cooking classes every Sunday evening with experienced chefs that specialize in cooking quality meals for the whole family. Their popular “Cooking for Health and Weight-Loss” class gives you additional insight and tips on how to shop and cook on a diet. Private classes are also available.
Most of us know that beginning a new diet can be tricky, but Luci’s Healthy Marketplace has the natural products and services to facilitate a healthy and balanced lifestyle that will get you looking fabulous all year long.
For more information on Luci’s Healthy Marketplace, please visit Luci’s Healthy Marketplace’s website or call (602) 773-1339.
