As you pack your lunch for work, make dinner plans, or reach for a snack, it’s easy to be tempted by the plethora of unhealthy foods around us. Even if we try to eat healthy, we question the quality of our “fresh” produce from the supermarket. Without having to plant a garden in your backdoor space, how do you achieve your health goals? Here are some tips on helping you eat right and stay on track!
The most important aspect of your eating habits is portion control. Whether you’re eating a greasy cheeseburger or a fresh salad, eating smaller portions more often throughout the day can transform your waistline. If you are new to healthy eating start by restricting your portions.
Don’t eat until you feel like you are full. Your body isn’t going to tell you that immediately after you eat. Eat a small portion then wait a while. If you are still hungry, grab a nutritional snack—nuts, fruit, veggies, oats, etc. How do you know the right portion? There are many factors that play a role in the right portion of what you’re eating.
Eating requires work! Who knew? Not only does your body process the foods you eat, but before food hits your tongue, you should be working toward eating. You shouldn’t quickly grab the first food in your sight. Planning is essential. Be intentional when you go grocery shopping. Look at the panel on the box for nutritional information—calories, sodium, etc.
As you are gathering your groceries, consider how much of each food group you are eating. Are you eating more breads more than anything else? You should be eating plenty of protein, vegetables and fruit but not as much sweets or oils. Look at the food pyramid for help on portion control!
When you have the proper insight and become knowledgeable on the right food groups to eat and how to portion your meals, you have to start implementing healthy habits. It takes about 21 days to create a new habit. There have been many days that I’ve habitually popped on a soda can only to remember, I’m not drinking soda anymore! How could I forget when I’m trying so hard to be healthy? Old habits die hard, as they say.
Another grueling tip is to not be afraid to waste. I know, it sounds horrible. We should reduce, reuse, and recycle. But when you are working toward healthy eating habits, don’t feel obligated to clean your plate. Don’t feel obligated to eat the rest so you’re not wasting food you spent your hard earned money on. Your health is more important.
Transform your life by creating healthier eating habits that will prolong your life and jumpstart a fresh perspective on life!
