So you’re ready to feel better…
We get it, food is complicated. It can make you feel queasy after meals, or it can make you feel like you’re on top of the world. We all want to be on top of the world, right? Healthy eating doesn’t necessarily mean you’re downing fruit all day–it can be way more fun (and it doesn’t leave you feeling out of sorts all night)! We’ll talk about all things healthy eating and the benefits that go along with it!
A Good Start to Eating Healthy
People may tell you to eat less to lose weight, but this isn’t necessarily true. It’s all about eating the right food.
To start off, you’ve heard it before: fruits and vegetables are AMAZING. They’re sweet and convenient, all while giving you extremely beneficial health benefits. They offer natural vitamins, minerals, and fiber! More importantly, according to Medical News Today, they reduce a person’s risk of developing heart disease, cancer, inflammation, and diabetes! Try eating 1-2 pieces of fruit a day and add a side of tasty green beans to your dinner. These small changes could improve your health substantially!
Another life changing hack with food is to eat whole grains! Whole grains are high in fiber, which keeps you feeling full! According to Mayo Clinic, whole grains are also linked to a lower risk of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. There are so many whole grain options you may not know about! You don’t have to say goodbye to your famous spaghetti–there are whole grain pasta options at almost every grocery store (Walmart, Target, Hy-Vee, Kroger, etc.)! Along with pasta, whole wheat bread is another healthy option to use for your sandwiches, toast, and even garlic bread.
Some Healthy Meal Options
Maybe you’re wondering what a full day of meals looks like while eating healthier! Here’s a great example.
Breakfast: Try a plate of 2 slices of whole wheat toast topped with sugar free grape jelly, 2 scrambled eggs made with almond milk, and a cup of strawberries!
Lunch: Enjoy a panini pressed sandwich on whole wheat bread filled with rotisserie chicken, swiss cheese, and a dash of mayonnaise. Add a cup of carrots and perhaps a small brownie with almonds to satisfy that pesky sweet tooth!
Dinner: Make a bowl of whole grain spaghetti noodles with a non-meat red sauce topped with a few Italian meatballs. Add a few sides like mixed vegetables and garlic bread made with whole wheat bread!
Snacks: Have a sliced apple with 2 tablespoons of almond butter (yummm) or a small bowl of oatmeal with brown sugar and cinnamon.
See? There are still the meals you love and want, just without the queasiness and health risks. These meals are filled with the healthy fats, complex carbs, and proteins your body needs to function and feel its best!
Non-Eating Healthy Eating Hacks
There are a few other ways you can become a healthier eater that doesn’t even involve what food you eat (crazy, right?)!
Hack number 1 is to put away the screens. When eating a meal, put away the phones, turn off the TV, and be mindful of your meals. When you are on screens, you can fall into mindless eating, which can leave you feeling less full. If you focus on what you’re eating and how much, you may appreciate the flavors more and eat a smaller serving (both are helpful)!
Hack number 2 is to listen to your body. Don’t fall into the traps of only eating 3 meals a day, 5 small meals a day, 2 big meals a day, etc. Your body knows you best, so if it’s hungry–eat a snack! There is no shame in giving your body the nutrients it deserves (it works pretty hard for you every day).
The last hack, number 3, is to walk a little more every day. Park a little bit further from the entrance, take multiple trips while putting away groceries, or find time during your lunch break to walk around the block. Walking a little bit every day can help your food digest a bit easier, and gives those carbs you’ve been eating a chance to burn! Plus, walking has many benefits, but that’s for another blog in the future.
Ready to Feel Better?
We challenge you to make a few mindful decisions each day when it comes to eating! Eat an extra fruit, eat at the table without screens, or go grocery shopping for some whole grain foods! It’s time to start feeling better!
Disclaimer: This was not written by a medical professional. If you need serious nutritional help, please contact your medical provider. All content and information on this website is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Although we are striving to provide great, accurate information, the information presented is not a substitute for any kind of professional advice.
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