Five simple ways to eat healthier

Are you looking for simple ways to eat healthier? Would you like to lose weight, have more energy or just know you’re doing something good for your body? Here are five easy to implement tips that can help you reach your goals! 

Eat Breakfast!

• • There are a lot of benefits to starting you day off  with a good breakfast! That morning meal serves to rev up your metabolism (burn more calories sooner!), providing you with the energy needed for a good day at work, school or simply tackling your to do list!

 Eat at regular intervals!

• •  Contrary to what you might think, eating at regular intervals can help you eat healthier, as well as less overall.  Healthy snacks throughout the day can help keep blood sugar levels in control and provide continuous energy.  Frequent             healthy snacks can also serve as an effective means of appetite control, making you less likely to overeat at your main meals.

Include a fresh fruit or vegetable at every meal!

• • Fruits and vegetables provide a variety of nutrients, are full of carbohydrates (supplying energy to the brain and muscles), and the skins and pulp provide fiber to help with digestion. According to the Mayo Clinic, “foods containing fiber  can provide other health benefits as well, such as helping to maintain a healthy weight and lowering your risk of diabetes, heart disease and some types of cancer”.

Pair carbohydrates with a protein or good fat at every meal and snack.

• • Carbs are a great quick energy source, but proteins and fat take longer for the body to digest, providing a more sustained level of energy than carbohydrates alone. Dairy and soy products such as milk and yogurt, and cottage cheese, are all good protein sources. Avocados, eggs, and nuts are examples of healthy fats.

 Pre-package a variety of healthy snacks, on the weekend, for the week ahead.

• • Package snacks in single serving portions and make sure they’re visible in the cupboard or fridge. This tip is helpful regardless of where you’ll be spending your day.  Having them ready to grab at a moment’s notice will help you eat healthy without needing to think through your options on the spot. Consider grapes, strawberries, cherry tomatoes, cheese cubes, whole grain or mini crackers, nuts, raisins, homemade trail mix, dry cereal. 

Keep it simple. Eat early and often. Plan your snacks and prepare them in advance. One final tip is to print this out and place it on your fridge or pantry as a reminder to start your new habits! If you would like to discuss how to eat healthier and make other lifestyle changes, check out my Small Bites nutrition consultations or click here to schedule a free 30 min introductory call!