{Healthy You} #1
I don't know about you but I am definitely already thinking about summer. I know that I am not the only one because several people have already been asking me for tips on how to start preparing to get back into gear for the nice weather. I have been giving out a lot of exercise tips and even helping people start their programs, but for this segment I want to talk about eating habits. By this time in the year, most of us have already given up our New Year's resolutions and are struggling to stay committed to eating well and working out. Here's a bit of relief: it's okay. It doesn't have to be as hard as we make it. We often kick ourselves when we eat poorly and then it's downhill from there to start eating well again. It doesn't have to be that way. Here are are some helpful hints on how to eat better even if you find it's hard, or you are too busy.
1. Use a Crock Pot. There are so many easy recipes that can be done in a crock pot and many of them are healthy too. You can cook vegetables with rice [use brown instead of white], make hearty soups [use beans and vegetables such as tomatoes to add texture and flavor].
2. Pack a Meal. Many of us find ourselves way too busy to come home and eat during the day, or we don't want to get up early to make ourselves something. Try to pack yourself a healthy, balanced meal the night before in order to avoid a quick stop at the McDonalds. [way too many trans-fats and calories in fast foods even if they claim to be "healthy"] This way you can be sure what is in your meal and you will be able to help yourself eat better during the day. Try to pack a sandwich or salad with meat and plenty of vegetables. Avoid too many condiments or dressings because they add unnecessary fats. Pack yourself an apple or banana for that snack on the go. Crackers are a much better choice than chips. Personally I love triscuits or wheat-thins.
3. Order Light. If you ever go out to eat you don't have to get something big and full of ingredients that may hinder your health [and not to mention how you feel afterward]. If you have a choice between soup and salad, always get the salad and ask for the dressing on the side. That way you can control how much you put on it. Try to avoid getting too much pasta or beef. Order a side of vegetables instead of french fries or other starchy foods.
4. Avoid Unnecessary Add-ons. Having soda, candy and chips is not a bad thing all the time, but it can quickly develop into a habit. Try to avoid having these things as much as possible. Substitute soda for water, milk, crystal light, lemonade, tea or gatorade[if you are active]. Instead of having candy or chips for a snack, try some berries or dry fruit to satisfy your sweet tooth, and crackers or almonds to satisfy your salty desire. [Almonds are a great snack because they provide good fats and suppress your appetite so you stay full longer]
5. Eat a Hearty Breakfast. I'm sure you've heard "breakfast is the most important meal of the day, don't skip it." Well, that's right. Breakfast gets your metabolism going so that you can burn more throughout the day. Those who do not eat breakfast often have a harder time keeping weight off because their body is trying to keep up with not having a balanced meal in the beginning of the day. It doesn't have to be a big meal, but simply having a piece of fruit and toast, or yogurt will suffice.
6.The More Color the Better. A general rule of thumb is: the more color you have on your plate, generally the more variety and the more nutrients you are consuming.
7. Get Creative. It doesn't have to be boring! If you are tired of just eating an apple, then make a fruit salad. Find something fresh in season [generally when it tastes the best] and add it to your recipe or make it a side dish. You don't have to make salads with lettuce. You can substitute spinach or you can just have other vegetables and beans. There are so many ways to cook meat too! [check out the links below]
These tips are not meant to help you lose weight [although they will help] but to just give advice on how to take care of yourself through your diet. Your body has many nutritional needs and by eating poorly we are depriving ourselves of a better quality of life. In addition to eating well, be sure to drink plenty of water in order to ensure that your digestive system and body cells can maintain proper and efficient function!
Here are some of my favorite websites to look for delicious recipes [which don't take long] that are good for you:
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