7 simple tips for healthier eating
We all want to eat healthier. What often holds us back is that we don't know where to start, or that we think that in order to eat healthier we have to change our entire diet and lifestyle. That is too difficult and that is why nothing often changes in the end. But did you know that with some small adjustments you can easily take the first steps towards a healthier eating pattern? In this blog I give you 7 simple tips for healthier eating.
Tip 1: take less sugar
It may sound obvious, but you are probably consuming more sugar than you think without realizing it. This also includes honey, molasses and syrup. If you choose to eat sugar, do so consciously and eat and drink the rest as sugar-free as possible. Also stop adding sugar to your coffee or tea. It may take some getting used to, but in the long run you can do just fine without it.
Tip 2: check carefully whether something that APPEARS healthy actually IS healthy
Sometimes you think you are being healthy, but that is actually quite disappointing. And that is of course a shame. For lunch, for example, you can have a healthy sandwich or a salad. That sounds healthy, but such a healthy sandwich is often very large. It contains as much bread as up to four slices of bread. Often it is white bread and the sandwich is very thickly filled. For salads, dressings, croutons and cheese are all sneaky calorie bombs that quickly make a salad a less healthy choice.
Tip 3: let vegetables play the leading role on your plate
Vegetables contain many vitamins, minerals and fiber. They are filling, but are low in fats, sugars and calories. Be aware of this and fill your plate for the largest part (preferably half) with vegetables and be more economical with potatoes, pasta or rice and the piece of meat, fish or a meat substitute.
Tip 4: exchange something unhealthy for something healthy
The Nutrition Center calls this 'the food change'. Simply exchange something unhealthy for something healthy. For example, swap a glass of cola for a glass of (sparkling) water and replace white pasta with the whole wheat variety. It's a small effort and it may seem like a small change, but we all know that every little bit helps.
Tip 5: eat as pure as possible
You have probably heard that it is not healthy to always cook with packets and bags. But why is that actually? Packages and bags contain flavor enhancers and often contain a lot of salt and sugar. It's a shame to get them if you don't need them at all. For example, many people get soup and pasta sauce from a can or carton, but you can easily make it yourself with fresh vegetables. And… it's often even tastier!
Tip 6: eat regularly
We all know the hunger pangs. If you haven't eaten for too long, hunger can strike so intensely that you want to eat everything you find in your kitchen cupboards or the supermarket. So it is smart to prevent that. You simply do this by eating regularly, every 2 to 3 hours. Make sure you have healthy snacks on hand to prevent snacking between meals.
Tip 7: think in small steps and don't be too hard on yourself
When learning new habits, it helps not to be too hard on yourself. Take small steps and be aware of the gains you have made. See what works for you and continue to enjoy your food. Because food should be tasty and it is fantastic if you can achieve that with healthy or slightly less food.
Do you think it is time to really work on your diet, but do you have questions about healthy(er) eating and the changes in your diet and lifestyle that come with it? I would like to help you. Please feel free to contact me for a no-obligation consultation.