Let’s look at some tips to help you adopt a healthier, balanced diet:
- Plan Ahead – We often find ourselves relying on outside food multiple times a week, whether its grabbing lunch at work or going out to get a bite for dinner. With work, family, friends, and commitments it’s convenient to buy meals on the go. By planning meals out at the beginning of the week, we avoid last-minute unhealthy choices. Packing a lunch and cooking dinner will allow you to choose healthier options and improve the quality of your food intake.
- Pack Snacks – It’s always a good idea to have a few healthy snack options with you so you can avoid a situation where you are desperate for food and have to turn to an unhealthy option. Pack a bag of nuts or fruits, and have it with you in case you need a quick snack.
- Focus on Healthier Foods – Eating healthier foods will hugely benefit your overall health. Not only will your waist size thank you, but your energy levels will be higher, and you will work more efficiently and effectively throughout the day. Focus on eating protein and nutrient-rich foods like fish, lean meats, fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and try to avoid foods that are high in saturated fats, trans fats, sugars and cholesterol such as deserts and baked goods.
- Improve Your Eating Habits – A great way to improve your diet is to become conscious of your eating habits and identify routines that are unhealthy and unnecessary. One of the most common habits is eating when you are bored. Asking yourself if you are hungry before grabbing a snack is a good way to avoid consuming unnecessary calories. Another good habit to adopt is to take your time while eating. This way you will be more likely to notice when you are actually satisfied than if you wolf down your meal and find yourself with a stomach ache because you ate too much.
- Choose Water – Avoid drinking juices or sodas. Though they satisfy and energize you in the moment, they contain a ton of sugar that will actually leave you feeling slow and lethargic soon after. Additionally, the sugar in those drinks adds unnecessary calories to your body. Try to replace unhealthy drinks with water. Water will quench your thirst and keep you hydrated, healthy, and energized.
Remember that the types of foods that we put into our bodies are what fuels us throughout the day. Nutrition matters, so choose foods that will set you up for success! Work to become aware of your eating habits, and adopt a healthier and more balanced diet to make sure you are taking care of yourself.
Sources:
https://www.hhs.gov/fitness/eat-healthy/importance-of-good-nutrition/index.html
https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/healthy_eating/index.html
https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/losing_weight/eating_habits.html