Eating a healthier diet is more than just avoiding the really bad stuff. To get the best benefits from fueling your body, you need to consider what you put into it. A healthy diet needs to be sustainable, enjoyable, and good for you.
To eat healthier, you need to strike a balance between nutritional science, common sense, and enjoyment of good quality food.
Below are five very simple ways for you to eat healthier. Start today and you’ll notice a massive difference in your body within three weeks.
1. Avoid Fats That Are Solid At Room Temperature
Not all fats are bad for you, that is why you get good fats and bad fats. Even good fats should be eaten in moderation, such as avocados and nuts. Saturated fats are generally solid at room temperature and include things like butter and lard.
Instead of these, choose healthier fats like olive oil and canola oil. All fats have a high caloric density so use them in moderation when cooking.
2. Add Less Salt
Excessive salt consumption can lead to serious health complications and illnesses. Break the habit of constantly reaching for the salt when cooking and eating, and learn to taste your food first – even when you’re on vacation.
If you have constantly added salt to every meal, stop using salt entirely for two to three days. That will reset your taste buds and allow you to use less salt in your meals.
3. Eat More Fruit and Veg
This is a simple tip because fresh fruit and vegetables are readily available from most natural food stores. Fruit and vegetables should be eaten and incorporated into your diet as often as possible.
These natural gems are generally low in calories and packed full of vitamins. A serving of fruit and vegetables equates to around one cup full. For leafy vegetables like kale and spinach, chop them up until they can fit into your cup measure.
4. Chew Slower
By chewing your food slowly and thoughtfully, you can enjoy it more. Slow down the speed of your eating and your body will benefit greatly.
Studies have shown that people who take their time to chew slowly have better digestion and feel fuller quicker – which makes this an excellent tip for those of us who are prone to overeating.
Chewing your food for longer helps break it down more which allows your stomach to digest it more efficiently.
5. Eat Until You Are Full
That may seem like an obvious statement, but you would be surprised at how many people go beyond that point at every meal regularly. Instead of shoving more food into your face just because it tastes nice, learn to stop when you are full.
After some time, you can even take it back one step and stop eating just before you reach that point. Over half of all Americans consume far more than they need to – which is why the US is a leading nation for obesity and type 2 diabetes issues.
Eat mindfully and just as much as you need – that will help reduce excess weight and allow you to live a longer and happier life.