The food you put in your body impacts your overall health and well being. Often, it’s easy to get caught up in poor eating habits, such as ordering takeout or going through a fast food drive-thru. However, these meals lack the nutrients you need to achieve and maintain your health and weight loss goals.
Here are 10 healthy eating habits to take up for a lifestyle change and ultimate weight loss:
- Have a colorful plate
When it comes to healthy eating habits, the first thing you should do is start incorporating more fruits and vegetables on your plate. Fruits and vegetables are colorful due to the nutrients they contain, such as vitamins A, C and E, magnesium, zinc, phosphorus and folic acid.
These types of foods provide complex carbohydrates that can give you energy throughout the day and fiber that makes you feel fuller for longer.
- Eat a balanced breakfast
You’ve probably heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day; that’s because it is. Without breakfast, you are running on empty. Breakfast gives you the energy to start the day, improves diet quality, increases the ability to learn and focus, and enhances weight loss and management.
- Meal plan
Meal planning is a great way to help you stick to your healthy eating goals while also helping you save money, save time, waste less and stress less. Try planning your meals during the weekend and prepping your lunches for the week.
- Cut down on processed foods
Several health risks occur when you eat too much processed foods, including high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Before you reach for a frozen meal in your freezer, try cooking an easy, yet nutritious meal, such as chicken and frozen vegetables.
- Consume less sodium
Foods such as smoked or canned meat, frozen pizza, and canned ravioli contain an unhealthy amount of sodium. Consuming too much sodium can increase your risk of heart failure, hypertension, stroke, osteoporosis, and kidney disease.
- Eat enough food throughout the day
When it comes to weight loss, many people believe that cutting back to an unsustainable number of calories is the best way to lose those stubborn pounds. However, this is possibly the worst thing you can do for yourself. It is important that you eat a sustainable number of calories throughout the day to ensure you are fueling your body with the proper nutrients.
- Drink water
The cells and organs in the body need water to function optimally, which may assist in weight loss and maintenance. According to Harvard Health, water has many important jobs, such as:
- Flushing bacteria from the bladder
- Aiding digestion
- Normalizing blood pressure
- Lubricating the joints
- Protecting organs and tissues
- Regulating body temperature
- Be portion-aware
A great way to lose weight is by being aware of your portion size. When you put more on your plate, you are bound to consume more. Understanding how much food your body actually needs to function properly is the key to weight loss.
- Go whole grain
Whole-grain foods, such as brown rice, oatmeal and wheat bread contain fiber, which provides a feeling of fullness with fewer calories. Whole grains also contain plenty of nutrients, such as protein, B vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals.
- Practice mindful eating
Mindful eating is when you pay attention to the moment-to-moment experience of eating, which in turn can help you improve your diet, manage food cravings and even lose weight, according to HelpGuide. Mindful eating also strengthens a positive relationship with food. Instead of viewing food as your enemy, you start to view it as something that nurtures your body and keeps you healthy.
Getting Started
Changing your eating habits can be difficult when you don’t know where to start. Registered dietitians can help you create a custom plan, choose recipes, and hold you accountable as you work towards your weight loss and health goals.
Ready to get started on your weight loss journey? Call 888-279-0099 today.
Disclaimer: Always consult with your practitioner or other qualified healthcare specialists when considering changes to your health, diet, or exercise routine. This information is not intended to substitute professional medical advice.
