Most of us
could stand to eat a healthier diet. Yet many of us get so caught up in our
busy schedules that we don't have the time or the motivation to do more than
run through a drive through on the way home or to throw a pre-packaged meal in
the microwave. Fatty, processed foods start to make up the majority of our diet
and fresh fruits and vegetables start to become little more than garnishes.
If your diet
looks like this, it may seem too difficult to change it now. However, there are
several easy changes you can make to your diet right now to start making it
over for a healthier lifestyle. Here are a few ideas:
Eat Three Meals a Day
Skipping
meals -- especially breakfast -- can send your blood sugar crashing, intensify
cravings for unhealthy foods, and slow down your metabolism, making it harder
for you to burn off excess calories. Make sure you eat three meals a day to
give your body a slow and steady release of energy throughout the day, and to ensure
that you are able to make informed choices at every meal and reach for healthy
options rather than grabbing at whatever is available because you feel out of
control from hunger or cravings.
Eat More Fruits and Veggies
Rather than
focusing on everything that you CAN'T have, just focus on adding the things
that you CAN have -- like all the fruits and veggies you want. Add fruits and
vegetables to every meal and snack. You'll fill up on these healthy foods and
feel less of an impulse to eat unhealthy foods. And even if you're still
reaching for a bowl of ice cream after you've eaten, at least you can be sure
you'll eat less ice cream than you would have if you had not already filled up
on the healthy stuff.
Drink More Water
Drinking
plenty of water can help you regulate your blood sugar levels, control your
appetite and keep your energy levels up -- all of which will keep you from
reaching for unhealthy foods out of boredom or because you have strong
cravings. Drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water per day, or more if you are active (which you should
be anyway).
Eat More Whole Foods
Processed
foods are convenient, and they make meal prep much easier. However, they are
also loaded with excess sodium, sugar, and fat, as well as chemicals,
additives, preservatives, and artificial colors and flavorings. Choosing
unprocessed, homemade versions of your favorite treats is a simple way to make
them healthier. Make foods yourself with whole, natural ingredients, and you
will get more nutrients and less harmful chemicals.
Eat Less Sugar
Sugar is
toxic. It contributes to hormonal imbalances, chronic health problems, and even
disease. While some sugar is OK as an occasional treat, far too many of our
foods have hidden sugars that lead to an excess of it in our diets. Cut out as
much sugar as you can be eliminating known sources of it in your diet and
looking for hidden sugars in foods by reading labels. You'll not only lose
weight, but you'll also improve your overall health.
It need not
be overly complicated or difficult to make over your diet. You can start with
these five simple changes that will have a big impact on your health.
What changes
have you made to your diet to make it healthier? Share your tips for a diet
makeover in the comments!
Sarah Rexman is the main researcher
and writer for bedbugs.org. Her most recent accomplishment
includes graduating from Florida State, with a degree in environmental
science. Her current focus for the site involves researching bedbug
pesticides and online guides to extermination.
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