Eating Healthy Made Simple
Sep 12, 2019You've made the commitment to a healthier you. You have your home gym and a workout plan. Now what? You want to make sure you're eating a healthy diet to achieve your fitness goals. A good fitness plan always includes healthier eating habits.
But with all the diet tips and advice out there, making these changes can be extremely confusing and difficult. What practical steps can you take to make eating healthy simple? Read below for 7 things you can do.
1. Make sure you're eating the right amount of calories for your activity level and goal.
Are you highly active? Eat enough calories to provide the energy you need to stay active. Have a slower workout routine? You typically won’t need as many calories. If you eat more calories than your body uses, you will gain weight. If you eat and drink too little, you'll lose weight. The key is finding the right balance of calories consumed and energy used.
2. Find the right balance of types of foods.
Eating a wide range of healthy foods will provide your body with all the necessary nutrients. Make sure you are hitting all of the major food groups for a well rounded healthy diet.
3. Get into the habit of checking the nutritional label while grocery shopping.
A lot of products have fancy labels or misleading graphics on the front that trick you into thinking the item is healthy. Checking the label is a great way to make sure you're not getting any unnecessary sugars or ingredients. A quick tip: the fewer the ingredients the less likely it has added sugars or preservatives.
4. Enjoy the healthy foods you eat.
Find healthy foods that satisfy and taste delicious. Eating healthy does not mean depriving yourself of enjoyable foods. Get creative in how you cook. Find healthier alternatives and eat mindfully. Enjoying the process of eating healthy will create habits that last. Depriving yourself is not only unhealthy, it is not sustainable.
5. Drink more water.
Stay away from sugary drinks that pack a lot of unnecessary calories. Water helps your body function at it's highest and helps boost metabolism.
6. Keep healthy snacks stocked and easily at hand.
Snacking doesn't have to be a bad thing. In fact, when you snack smartly it can help prevent overeating during meals. Keeping snacks that are high in protein, fiber and complex carbohydrates will help you feel satisfied, provide energy for daily activities and help keep cravings at bay.
7. Cook at home.
When you're cooking your own meals, you know exactly what is going into your dinners. You have control over oils, techniques and ingredients. Plus, you are less tempted by higher calorie options. Meal prepping is a great way to easily plan your meals for the week and stay on top of eating healthy.
The above tips are easy ways you can kickstart a healthy eating plan. The key is to make habits that will last by taking these tips and applying them to a plan that works for you and your lifestyle. Relax and listen to your body and most importantly, enjoy your new healthy life!
If you have any questions or concerns always consult a physician or nutritionist before making changes to your diet.