Steps to eating healthy without calling it a “diet”.

We are half through the month of January and most of us have made the resolution to come into the year by getting more active and eating a lot healthier.

Here are some simple suggestions that will provide you with healthy eating options.

1. You don’t have to give up your favorite foods

You can eat all the food you enjoy. Just remember to eat smaller quantities. Find healthier versions of your favorite foods so that you can enjoy without worrying about the calories.

2. Always plan out your meals

Plan out your meals for an entire week. You do not have to eat steamed veggies or grilled chicken as this over time can become boring. Look up new innovative recipes and make sure that you have a variety of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds throughout your meals and snacks. If you know that you are going to eat a hearty dinner, go for something a bit lighter for lunch.

3. Ditch Calorie Counting

Don’t think about the calories in your food instead focus on what foods are good for you. Ask yourself where your foods come from and if it is nutritious. Vitamin and nutrient rich food will keep your hunger at bay, assist in maintaining your blood sugar levels, and minimize cravings.

4. Eat Interesting Food

Eat different types of vegetables and fruits. Incorporate flavorful add-ons like sauteing with olive oil and garlic or spraying them with olive oil before throwing them in an oven with salt, pepper and garlic powder. Venture into trying different spices like cumin, coriander, or curry. These will change the flavor profile of your food and make it more enjoyable to eat as well.

5. Store and Prepare Food

If you are short on time, try to prep your fruits and veggies by washing and cutting them up and storing them in an airtight container in the fridge. By doing this, you can grab these items during the week when you’re in a hurry and you can put together some quick meals.

6. Do Not Feel Guilty

Do not feel guilty when you eat certain foods. Just remember that if you do eat something that you enjoy (without guilt) and you stay active, and have an overall healthy diet, you will be less likely to overeat. Don’t overthink your food choice. You can have cake and eat it too (in moderation of course).

7. Eat the Colorful Array of Foods

Eating all the colors in the rainbow will provide your body with disease fighting nutrients and will naturally fill you up, which helps you cut back on unhealthy foods. Fruit and vegetables that are good to eat are:

o Cherries
o Raspberries
o Watermelon
o Beets
o Radishes
o Tomatoes
o Yellow Apples
o Cantaloupe
o Peaches
o Lemons
o Mangoes
o Carrots
o Sweet Corn
o Pumpkin
o Pineapples
o Bananas
o Dates
o Pears
o Garlic
o Ginger
o Avocados
o Limes
o Pears
o Celery
o Broccoli
o Black olives
o Dried plum
o Eggplants

8. Drink More Water

We cannot stress this enough. Water is vital for your internal organs to function and your body is comprised of 80% water. It removes toxins for the body, naturally suppresses the appetite and helps the body metabolize stored fat. If you want to add some flavor to your water, mint and/or lemon are good options to add some extra zing.

I hope that this been helpful. Remember you do not have to follow the latest diet fad that’s going on to be fit. If you nourish yourself from within, it will show on the outside.

Stay Safe, Stay Beautiful and Stay Healthy