10 tips to eating healthier
— February 13, 2023 —
Eating healthier happily, means different things to different people. It could mean eliminating processed food, adding more vegetables, eating less calories, curbing sugar, or all the above. Whatever your goal, making the change requires thought and actions. If you want to shift the way you eat, you must first decide what that means for you, and then take small steps that will bring you to your destination.
At first the actions you take to eat healthier may feel forced or uncomfortable, but the more you do them and see positive results, the more they’ll become a natural part of how you eat. As you get started on this journey, it’s comforting to have some go-to ideas for change. I’ve outlined 10 simple tips to start incorporating into your day.
Eat slowly and mindfully: Take your time to savor each bite and pay attention to the flavors and textures of the food. In the middle of a meal take a break and check in with how hungry you feel. You don’t have to clear your plate.
Drink water before meals: Drinking water before meals can help you feel full and eat less.
Plan your day: If you know you’re going to a big dinner, have a smaller lunch. If you had a high protein lunch, pile on the vegetables at dinner.
Don’t go to a meal starving: If you sit down to dinner on an empty stomach, you’re likely to eat the entire breadbasket. Have an apple or some nuts before you go to curb hunger.
Cook with herbs and spices: Using herbs and spices to flavor your food instead of salt or high-calorie sauces will keep the calories down and make your meal tastier and more satisfying.
Skip low-fat varieties: Fat helps us feel satiated, so eating low fat, , usually processed, snacks can leave us reaching for more.
Include more fruits and vegetables: Fruits and vegetables are low in calories and high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Filling up on them will leave little room for less nutritious choices.
Avoid processed foods: Processed foods tend to be high in calories, sugar, and unhealthy fats. Choose whole, unprocessed foods instead.
Keep healthy snacks on hand: Having healthy options like fruits, nuts, and yogurt easily available can help you avoid grabbing whatever is nearby. This is a particularly good idea when you’re traveling or could get stuck somewhere.
Practice moderation: Enjoy your favorite treats by just having a few bites. This can help you stick to your healthy eating plan without feeling deprived or guilty.
These are just a few general ideas to get you started. If you want a personalized plan to reach your specific goals, I can work with you to develop it, create action steps to stick with it, and eliminate what may be standing in the way.