Healthy eating is a combination of good habits and maintaining a balanced diet filled with fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy, and protein. It may be difficult to maintain a healthy diet, however there are some small, simple lifestyle changes and healthier choices you can make to eat smarter.
Below, we listed 5 simple tips you can follow for healthy eating:
Limit takeout and junk foods
Eating junk food on a regular basis can lead to a number of negative health issues. And though you don’t necessarily need to eliminate junk foods from your diet entirely, limiting your intake to only once a week or a few times a month can make a big impact on your diet.
Eat slower
Slowing down your eating and taking the time to fully chew your food can make a big difference in making you feel fuller and satiated after a meal. It may also help to practice mindful eating and avoid distractions from watching TV or scrolling on your phone. Mindless eating could make you unconsciously ignore your body’s hunger signals that indicate you’re full and could lead to overeating.
Choose water
Sodas or alcoholic beverages may be your go-to drink when eating out, however if you’re trying to eat healthier, opt for water instead. These sugary drinks can contain hundreds of empty calories and an alarming amount of added sugar. Drinking sparkling or seltzer water is another great option if you enjoy having a little flavor and are trying to wean yourself off from sugary drinks.
Read food labels
Get into the habit of reading and understanding your food labels before making any purchases at the grocery store. You may be surprised to discover that a certain food you had previously thought was a healthy option may in fact be an unhealthy option and is loaded with sugars, trans fats, or sodium.
Meal prep
Preparing your meals ahead of time is a great habit to adopt for healthy eating. Meal prepping helps with portion control as well as ensuring you know exactly what ingredients are put into your food. Having prepared meals can also help you avoid the temptation of going out and buying takeout food.