In your life there is probably a to-do list of things and eating healthier may be one on that list. Diets are not the way to remove this off your list. Here are 5 easy strategies you can take into your everyday life which will help you be a healthy eater for life:
- Eat food like you are in a relationship
You do not ignore your partner or friend when they are talking to you so why would you ignore the food which talks to your body and keeps it functioning optimally? It takes 20 minutes to register fullness and if you are scoffing down your meal or distracted by your phone or TV you are likely to miss signals from your body of when you are satisfied.
Take the time to be present with your food. To look at it and enjoy the mouthfeel of eating and chewing. Feedback of how much you have eaten starts from your senses and what you are looking at matters.
- Select your choices wisely
There are numerous selective menus available and being a politely picky customer is very acceptable. Opt for the vegetables instead of the side with fries, skip the sauce or opt for a healthier cooking method like grilling, poaching, baking, roasted, seared, broiled or steaming.
The entrees can be meals in themselves and doing your homework on what a portion size is will pay off later both in your back pocket and waistline. Another great choice is asking for a doggy bag and put some of the meal aside for tomorrows lunch or dinner.
- Know how to read labels
Just because a food is in the health food isle does not mean it is actually healthy for you. Learn how much sugar, salt, fat, and fibre to aim for in different foods. If there are two like products see how much energy per 100g are between them and select the best choice. If the first ingredient in a food or drink is sugar this is not the best choice.
- Are you drinking enough?
When you think you are hungry you may actually be thirsty as the messages for both are the same. 60% of your body is water and being dehydrated negatively effects every cell in your body. The best way to see if you are hydrated is by checking the colour of your urine. You do not want to ‘go for gold!’ but more of a champagne colour.
- Set up for a great start to your day
Whenever you decide to eat your first meal make it complete for your body’s needs. This means a quality carbohydrate, protein and fruit or vegetable combo. This could look like:
- 2 Weetbix with milk and a banana sprinkled with cinnamon on top
- 2 pieces of whole grain bread with 2 eggs and a side of cooked mushrooms, tomato, and spinach.
- Overnight oats with yoghurt and berries.
Take home message: Your food choices and lifestyle should be enjoyable. Try adding these 5 easy strategies to make yourself and healthy eater for life.
