The journey to a healthier lifestyle is composed of many variables, with each one playing an important role.
For many people that I meet, creating AND following healthy eating habits presents a major hurdle in reaching their goals.
Here are 8 habits that will help you towards achieving a well-balanced nutrition plan:
1. Be Mindful of Your Meals
In the chaos of our fast-paced lives, it’s easy to lose track of what we’re eating. Embrace the power of mindful eating by:
-Slowing down and savoring every bite
-Paying attention to your hunger and fullness cues
-Appreciating the flavors, textures, and colors of your food
2. Plan Your Meals
Meal planning is the key to an easy to follow nutrition plan. It helps you make healthier choices, save time, and reduces food waste. To master meal planning:
-Schedule a weekly menu and shopping list
-Prep ingredients and meals in advance
-Keep your pantry stocked with nutritious staples
3. Stay Hydrated
In simple terms, water sustains life. Staying hydrated is essential for digestion, metabolism, and overall health. To maintain a healthy fluid balance:
-Aim for at least 8 glasses of water per day
-Opt for water, herbal tea, or infused water instead of sugary beverages
-Listen to your body’s thirst signals
4. Color Your Plate with Fruits and Vegetables
Just like a vibrant painting, your plate should be filled with a rainbow of fruits and vegetables. These colorful gems are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. To paint your plate right, you can should:
-Aim for at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily
-Experiment with different colors, textures, and flavors
-Sneak veggies into dishes like smoothies, sauces, and soups
5. Don’t Run From The Carbs
Whole grains are a type of complex carbohydrates that provide long-lasting energy and help regulate blood sugar levels. To incorporate more whole grains into your diet:
-Replace refined grains with whole grain alternatives
-Experiment with a variety of grains, such as quinoa, brown rice, and barley
-Look for products with “whole grain” listed as the first ingredient
6. Power Up with Lean Protein
Protein is the building block of life, essential for growth, repair, and maintenance of body tissues. To increase your lean protein sources:
-Include lean meats, fish, legumes, and dairy in your diet
-Add plant-based protein sources like beans, lentils
-Aim for a palm-sized portion of protein with each meal
7. Master the Art of Portion Control
Portion control is the key to maintaining a healthy weight and preventing overindulgence. Eating “healthy foods” doesn’t help if you’re eating too much.
To help with controlling how much you eat:
-Use smaller plates to trick your brain into feeling satisfied with less
-Divide your plate into sections for protein, carbohydrates, and fat
-Avoid eating directly from containers or bags
8. Indulge in Moderation:
Life is too short not to enjoy your favorite treats. The secret is to practice moderation and indulge mindfully. To treat yourself without derailing your healthy eating habits:
-Savor small portions of your favorite treats
-Choose healthier versions of indulgent foods
-Balance indulgences with wholesome meals and physical
Give these a try and report back if they’ve helped you create some new eating habits for yourself.
Dr. Brian Strump is a chiropractor and owner of Live Active Charlotte, a CrossFit/functional fitness gym located in the Steele Creek area of Charlotte.
If you’re interested in making a change in your health or simply have questions, you can learn more about Brian and his staff by visting: https://liveactiveclt.com/.
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