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11 Easy Ways to Make Healthy Eating a Habit!

Discussion in 'Dietetics' started by Riham, Apr 6, 2016.

  1. Riham

    Riham Bronze Member

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    Sneak Yourself More Vegetables
    You know you should eat more veggies. They're full of good-for-you fiber and vitamins. But the average person eats only about half the amount they should. So, how can you get more in? Swap out pasta for strands of zucchini that you shred with a julienne peeler. Or, pulse cauliflower in the food processor until it looks like rice, and use it in pilafs and stir-fries. You'll cut calories and add major nutrition.

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    Curb Snack Attacks With More Protein
    It's hard to resist the junk food-filled vending machine when your stomach is growling at 3 p.m. But you don't need to rely on willpower alone. The right food choices earlier in the day can set you up for success. Reach for protein: It fills you up and helps you feel satisfied longer than carbs do. Go for meals and snacks that include things like hardboiled eggs, Greek-style yogurt, peanut butter, and chicken.

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    Don't Ditch Full-Fat Dairy
    If you miss the flavor and texture of whole milk and full-fat yogurt because you think skim is better for your waistline, you may be in luck. It's OK to indulge in the regular versions of dairy products from time to time. Drinking creamy whole milk was even linked to a lower risk of obesity in one study. Just make sure you don't overdo it and get too many calories or grams of fat overall.

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    The Importance of Proper Portions
    You might think you're likely to eat more when you're really hungry or if you're digging in to one of your favorite dishes. But that’s not always the case. One of the biggest factors guiding how much you eat is portion size. Studies show that people eat more food, even if they don't like it, when it's served in a large container. So, serve food on smaller plates to limit how much you eat.

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    Log Your Meals in a Food Journal
    It takes just a few minutes a day and can make a big difference. Not only do these journals make you more aware of your food choices, but they also can help you stick to a healthy diet. In one study, people who kept food diaries over the course of a year lost more weight than those who didn't log their meals. Try online tools, mobile apps, or plain old pencil and paper to find what works for you.

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    Eat More Beans
    A satisfying, protein-rich meal doesn't have to be built on an expensive slab of steak or pork. At only 25 cents per cup, dried beans are one of the best values at the grocery store. To save time, cook up a double or triple batch of beans and freeze them in 1- and 2-cup portions for fast meals later on. Don’t get stuck in a rut with any one kind: There’s a rainbow of options that can add variety to your diet.

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    Make Room for Veggies at Breakfast
    There's no law limiting vegetables to lunch or dinner menus. If you want more in your diet, breakfast is a great place to start. Cut one egg out of your favorite omelet and add cooked spinach, mushrooms, onions, or red peppers. Make a smoothie loaded with kale, apples, bananas, and yogurt. Vegetables are naturally lower in calories than most other breakfast foods, and they'll keep you feeling full longer thanks to their fiber.

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    Cut Back on the Food Blogs
    Ever find yourself drooling over photos and recipes on TV shows, magazines, or blogs? Seems harmless. But when you ogle those images of tasty dishes, you’re likely to be hit harder by cravings. Pictures of food can make your body produce more ghrelin, the hormone that makes you feel hungry. To stick with your healthy habits, try to limit the foodie TV and blogs -- and view them after you’ve eaten, not before.

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    Plan a Weekly Menu
    It can be hard to think straight when you come home tired at the end of the day. It's also the worst time to try to figure out what to make for dinner. You can save yourself from the drive-thru when you plan meals and have convenient dinner building blocks, like frozen vegetables, handy. When you cook, prepare double. Sliced and seasoned chicken means an almost instant stir-fry, and cooked ground beef makes for a speedy taco night.

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    Chop Right
    When you bring your groceries home from the store, don't just stash your veggies in the crisper. Instead, take a few minutes to cut your carrots, cucumbers, and red peppers into snack-friendly sticks. That way, when you get hungry, vegetables are just as easy to grab and eat as pretzels or potato chips. Hate chopping? Buy bite-sized veggies like baby carrots and grape tomatoes, or get the precut kinds.

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    Focus on the Positive
    As you build healthy eating habits, look for things you can add to your diet. Seek out cool new fruits beyond the usual apples and bananas, like kumquats or clementines. Pick up an unfamiliar vegetable at the farmers' market, like a neon-colored cauliflower. You'll be more likely to stay on track with your good habits when you embrace what you can have instead of dwelling on things you want to limit, like junk food and sugary soda.

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