Healthy eating doesn't have to be hard or restrictive. The idea is to develop healthy habits so healthy eating becomes part of your lifestyle. Here are 3 simple habits you can start with.
#1. Eat a vegetable with every meal
Vegetables and fruits provide tons of vitamins, minerals, fibre and antioxidants that do wonders for our health.
If you're looking to make small changes to your meals, start with adding some vegetables. I always recommend making half your plate vegetables, or two large handfuls. If you're looking for ways to eat more vegetables, check out this article. Add some fruit if you're not a big veggie person in the morning.
Pro Tip: It doesn't matter they're fresh, organic, canned or frozen. All forms of vegetables and fruits provide health benefits regardless of packaging.
#2. Keep a full water bottle close by
When I was 11 years old I suffered from heat exhaustion at summer camp and it really freaked me out. Once I learned that I had brought it on myself by not drinking enough, I never went anywhere without a water bottle ever again.
Carrying a water bottle with you keeps you hydrated and encourages you to make water your beverage of choice. Stay hydrated and carry around a reusable water bottle!
3. Eat more whole grains
This is something I talk about all the time because I think everybody should be incorporating whole grains into their diet!
Some examples of whole grains:
Oats
Quinoa
Whole grain rice
bulgar
farro
barley
& many more!
Whole grains are minimally processed and packed with fibre, antioxidants, B-vitamins and even some protein. Compared to foods like white rice and white bread, the whole grain option can be more filling and provide more nutrients. The fibre helps reduce cholesterol, improve blood sugar control and improve gut health, which overall can help protect you against heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
Also, it's still okay to eat the more processed grains, like white rice and bread! I just encourage you to add in more whole grains to your diet, everyday or just a few times a week. Do what you can. If you're hesitant about making the swap, try cooking with half white rice and half quinoa (or any whole grain) and work your way to full whole grains.
Healthy Habits = Healthy Lifestyle
Use these simple habits to make healthy eating part of your lifestyle, instead of just another "thing" you have to do. Eventually these habits will become mindless and then you're ready to add in some more habits!
Comentários