How to Eat Healthy?

Diet plays a major role in our overall health and happiness. That is why healthy eating is so important for all of us. The food that we consume affects the way our body works and the level of nutrition it receives. Every day our body needs certain nutrients – such as proteins, healthy fats, complex carbohydrates, fibers, vitamins, and minerals – to function properly.

Healthy eating is not as complicated as it may sound. It can be overwhelming as many people think they have to give up on the foods they love, but that is not always the case. You can still enjoy the foods you love the most, but in smaller quantities and not on a daily or regular basis. I still enjoy a piece of Belgian chocolate or Manchego Cheese on occasion or have 1 cup of coffee in the morning.

The biggest mistake you can make is to restrict yourself from eating the foods you love. This is the leading cause of binge eating. Since you feel deprived, your tendency is to overeat because you are not satisfied.

It’s all about moderation and finding the right balance between food, health, time, and personal/social life. Over time your personal flavor and craving will change. I was a huge sweet tooth in the past and always allowed myself a sweet treat a day. Only one and preferably from a healthy source. Over time my taste buds adjusted to other foods and my cravings for sweet foods reduced to very occasionally. I still can’t resist my mom’s apple pie or tiramisu, but these days I only have sweets on very rare occasions.

The point I’m trying to make is, don’t change too much too fast as it will work against you. Make small changes and your body will simply ask for more. According to scientists, it takes about 21 days to turn something into a habit. Eventually, all the good and healthy stuff will crowed out the bad stuff.

Here are some great tips and tricks on how to eat healthy

1. Choose plant-based foods – Fruits and vegetables contain vitamins and nutrients that help strengthen your immunity. They do not contain fat or refined sugar that can cause weight gain and an array of diseases. Always keep in mind that whole foods, organic if possible, are the best pick.

2. Do not restrict yourself to a limited number of foods – Try various types of food. No need to restrict entire food groups from your diet. As long as you are not allergic, intolerant, or vegan/vegetarian there is no reason to eliminate groups such as grains, dairy, or lean organic fish or meat. However, these should not be eaten every day or with every meal. Just make sure to stay away from the GMO and overly processed ones, those do not count as a food or food group 🙂

ALSO READ: How to Stop Eating When You’re Full

3. Watch how much you eat – Anything that is too much is bad. If you are used to eating bigger portions, then consider using smaller plates, bowls or containers instead. This will cause your brain to think that you already ate too much without actually starving yourself.

4. Stay away from refined sugar and refined carbohydrates – Pasta, white bread, and most snack foods contain refined carbohydrates with little or no nutritional value. Pastries and other sweets, and sugary treats contain empty calories that can make you gain weight. Refined sugar can cause your blood glucose level to spike, which can lead to diabetes.

5. Avoid eating fats/protein from meat – Your body needs protein to function properly, and meat is one of the primary sources. However, animal meat contains fats that contribute to weight gain and various diseases. To ensure that your body gets enough protein, choose lean meat, skinless poultry, and low-fat dairy products. You can also get your protein from beans, lentils, and grains such as quinoa and buckwheat.

ALSO READ: The Top Plant Protein Sources

6. Limit the use of salt – too much salt (sodium) in your body can cause your blood pressure to rise. Excessive sodium levels in the body can also lead to water retention, hypertension, and kidney diseases. If you are craving for something tasty, eat fruits instead. They are, without a doubt delicious, nutritious and fulfilling. Bananas, citrus fruits, beans, and potatoes are rich in potassium that can help lower blood pressure.

Your body is your temple, so treat it as it is. Looking for a way to live a healthy lifestyle while eating delicious, colorful meals and losing or maintaining weight the healthy way, CLCIK HERE!