Healthy eating is not about strict nutrition philosophies, staying unrealistically thin, or depriving yourself of the foods you love. Rather, it’s about feeling great, having more energy, and keeping yourself as healthy as possible – all which can be achieved by learning some nutrition basics and incorporating them in a way that works for you.
By developing your own plan for healthy eating, you’ll be able to expand your range of healthy choices to include a variety of delicious foods. Using guidelines and tips for creating and maintaining a satisfying, healthy diet, you can learn how to approach food in a smarter, healthier way.
Avoid stress while eating: When we are stressed, our digestion can be compromised, causing problems like colitis and heartburn. Avoid eating while working, driving, arguing, or watching TV (especially disturbing programs or the news). Try taking some deep breaths prior to beginning your meal, or light candles and play soothing music to create a relaxing atmosphere.
- Listen to your body: Ask yourself if you are really hungry, and stop eating when you feel full. It actually takes a few minutes for your brain to tell your body that it has had enough food, so eat slowly. Eating just enough to satisfy your hunger will help you remain alert, relaxed and feeling your best, rather than stuffing yourself into a “food coma”!
- Eat early, eat often: Starting your day with a healthy breakfast can jumpstart your metabolism, and eating the majority of your daily caloric allotment early in the day gives your body time to work those calories off. Also, eating small, healthy meals throughout the day, rather than the standard three large meals, can help keep your metabolism going and ward off snack attacks.
Healthy eating: The basics on carbs, protein and fat
Despite what certain fad diets would have you believe, we all need a balance of carbohydrates, protein, fat, fiber and vitamins to sustain a healthy body. But what exactly is a carb? And how much protein is too much? Understanding dietary guidelines is the first step in developing your own healthy eating plan.
This is a challenge for all of us I think. With our busy lifestyles, running here, running there we tend to eat out, stop off at the fast food restaurants, order a family favorite of pizza to take home and the list goes on. To stay healthy we need to change our eating habits and get plenty of rest, exercise and drink lots of water. Balance is the key. I take supplements that keep my “numbers” at normal levels. Try to get exercise by walking. (I wished I was as faithful as my husband) and riding bike.
Just remember, BALANCE!
