Quick tips for a healthy diet

Quick tips for a healthy diet

One step at a time

If you're just starting to transition into a healthier lifestyle, do it slowly. Your body is used to old ways and if you make drastic changes you will probably give up easily too.

Eating at home

Whenever you eat out, you have no control over the portions you will have. You could end up eating more than you need.

Stop counting calories

Don't obsess over it. Instead, think about food in terms of color and freshness. Greens are always good. Colorful fruits are also great for a person's body. These are the foods your body needs more of. So don't be afraid to eat more of it.

Don't skip meals

If you want to lose weight, it is much better to eat small portions 5 to 6 times a day. Skipping meals only retains fat in your body and can lead to overeating.

Snack healthy

When you're hungry, instead of reaching for the cupcake, reach for the carrot stick. Some good examples of foods to snack on include fruits, nuts, raisins, cranberries, whole grain crackers, etc.

Bon appetit

Don't rush while eating. Take your time and chew slowly. If you already feel full, stop eating. Listen to what your body is telling you.

Fill that plate with the right kind of stuff

What a person eats greatly affects their weight loss or gain. This is why dietitians encourage people to choose quality over quantity. A good example is that you may have only had crackers for lunch today, but also had a huge pitcher of sweetened drinks. Then this sweetened drink is the culprit when it comes to your weight gain.

If you had a big bowl of fresh salad and water, that would have been a better diet than the crackers with a sweetened drink. It is much better for the body to eat foods that contain fewer carbohydrates. If you take away bread, pasta, rice or potatoes and replace them with vegetables, you can definitely cut down on fat.

If you're the type of person who only feels full when you see large portions of food on your plate, the solution is to fill your plate with the right kind of food. Think colorful fruits and vegetables. Deep colors mean higher levels of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Your body needs all of this every day.

Remember to drink plenty of water

Sometimes people confuse thirst with hunger and eat when all they need is a glass of water. Drinking water is also good for cleansing the body of toxins and helps in better digestion.

Along with these tips, you should always remember to not only have good eating habits but also a healthy lifestyle. This means making an effort to exercise regularly. If you are a smoker, you should quit and finally drink moderate alcoholic beverages.