Eating healthier is often easier said than done. We want to make the best possible choices for our body, however, in many cases when the hunger hits, we reach for the easiest thing rather than the healthiest thing. However, even just a few simple habits can totally transform your food choices.
Small, consistent changes can make a world of difference in your health energy levels and emotional well-being. Whether you’re looking to lose weight or simply boost your energy, here are some practical ways to eat healthier and be healthier.
Plan Your Meals
One of the biggest contributors to unnecessary weight gain or eating unhealthy foods is failing to plan ahead. Sometimes it’s as simple as making a list of all of your meals for the week and doing your grocery shopping ahead of time. Besides planning your meals, it’s important that you treat them as meals.
In other words, don’t eat at your desk, or shove food into your mouth while you drive. Sit down at your dining table and make it a real meal. The ritual of meal time will encourage you to make healthier choices, and also slow down and enjoy each bite. Mindless eating can often lead to overeating, which is why planning ahead, and the process of a sit down meal can be extremely helpful.
Avoid Processed Foods
Perhaps one of the most important parts of eating well is avoiding anything that is processed or comes in a box. Opt for things that come directly from the earth or their original sources like a plant or animal. The less processed something is, the more nutrition it will provide for you.
Every time that you process food, you’re stripping its nutrients. Whole foods are the best kind of foods because they will give you the maximum amount of energy and vitamins without having to bother with words you can’t even pronounce.
Eat More Vegetables and Fruits
Whatever you do, try to incorporate more vegetables and fruits into your diet. Whether it’s adding a few extra ingredients to a meal, or replacing ingredients all together for a fruit or vegetable, you’ll be doing your body a plethora of favors. Fruits and vegetables support your immune function and even reduce the risk of developing certain diseases. Not to mention, the more fruit and vegetables that you eat, the more fiber intake you’re getting, and the more your digestive tract will thank you for it.
Practice Portion Control
One of the biggest kept secrets of people who have great figures is that they don’t limit themselves from eating certain foods. They tend to let themselves enjoy things that may be considered “unhealthy”— they just know how to control their portions. As they say, everything in moderation. You can still enjoy things that you love as long as you eat a reasonable portion of it.