You’ve tried diets before. You’ve tried eating more of this and less of that. Eating healthier is important to you, so you can avoid illness and pain, and start living that life of joy you crave. Are you ready to feel good? It’s easier than you think. You just need help from the right mentors to help you see you are capable of getting off the dieting rollercoaster ride, and move your wellness journey towards a happier, healthier you! Grab your fork, and let’s dig into these practical nutrition tips from leading scientists and a Registered Dietician, to help you change your life for the better.
1. Have a Plan About Food
Life is busy. There’s so much pressure in life, the last thing you want is to have to think about food. “Have a plan about food,” suggests Registered Dietician, Lon Ben-Asher, Registered Nutritionist at the Pritikin Longevity Center in Miami, Florida. “Having a plan means you’re not buying lunch out every day, where you’re stepping into a minefield… putting yourself in the line of temptations.” It is easier to eat more nutritious, healthy foods when you have a plan.
2. Eat More Whole, Plant-Based Foods
Perhaps the biggest nutrition tip that will change your life is to eat more whole, plant-based foods. Vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, and legumes are awesome examples. “Removing as much processed foods from your diet, eating more whole, plant-based foods, is always going to result in a healthier body,” explains Lon. “It can be really hard in today’s day and age, but try to eat less convenience foods.” Eating more whole, plant-based foods are scientifically proven to lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality amongst middle-aged adults.
3. Walk Away from the Pantry
In a stressful moment, eating a bag of crunchy, salty potato chips or a chocolate donut may be just what you think you need. Walk away from the pantry! This nutrition tip will change your life! “Remember that eating is one coping mechanism used to manage stress. It works for the short term, but we can pay a price – in our health, energy, weight gain…” remarks Lon. “The key is to find other coping mechanisms… my favorites are walking …or listening to books on tape.” You do not need to eat to cope. Emotional eating can lead to struggles with weight, sleep, and mood. These are the latest over the counter Adderall Alternatives.
4. Don’t Eat Breakfast (If You’re Not Hungry)
“If you wake up in the morning and you are not hungry, then don’t eat,” says Lon. When it comes to healthy eating, rules are not black or white. Each person is unique, as such what you need to eat and when may be different than another person. If you find waking up in the morning, you’re not hungry, then don’t eat breakfast. Listen to your hunger cues! Some people prefer to eat pretty soon after waking, while others find they aren’t actually hungry until an hour or two, later.
5. Make Vegetables the Star
Vegetables should be the star of your plate, according to Kimberly. A true celebrity in healthy diets, vegetables are worth eating more of. Eating vegetables is scientifically proven to promote health: linked with reduced risk of type 2 diabetes and incidence of cardiovascular disease, as well as promotes healthier blood pressure and weight loss. Eating more vegetables will truly put a smile on your face! For every extra portion of fruit and vegetables, adults ate each day, their happiness increased exponentially, reports a study in the American Journal of Public Health, after surveying a group of over 12,000 Australians. If you’re thinking, “I hate vegetables,” then you may enjoy this list of ways to make vegetables taste good.