My motto is: Life is hard, food should be easy! So, there you go healthy food.
But there’s so much confusing information out there coupled with a dizzying number of food choices at grocery stores and restaurants that knowing what, when and how much to eat has become a puzzle for many. Ready for some life-changing tips? Read on.
Healthy food to improve your overall health
It’s a no-brainer that eating healthy food can improve our overall health and keep both chronic and common diseases at bay. But healthy eating comes with a host of other benefits such as:
- Enhanced mood — Eating lots of refined carbs can make you grumpy and no-fun-at-all!
- Radiant and healthy-looking hair, skin and nails. And let’s not forget a lovelier smile.
- Improved energy levels to help you go through your day in tip-top shape.
- Fewer migraines
- Better sleep
- Protection against PMS — Yes ladies, healthy eating can be one way to smother your inner ‘serial-killer/weepy’ self during ‘that time of the month’.
Healthy Eating Tips
1. Listen to your inner-self
I’m sure you’re wondering what this has to do with food but hear me out.
Many of us eat in a rush, in front of the TV or while reading the paper. In other words, the brain is focusing on something other than the food one is eating. Not only does that deprive you of feeling content with your meal but it also puts the satiety bell on snooze… That’s usually followed by mindless eating later on.
Take the time to eat — away from distractions — and enjoy every bite.
2. Forget black and white diet rules
First, because there is no such thing as a diet rule. Wait! I’m not saying ‘Ready? Get set! Run to the kitchen and grab the ice-cream tub!’ Although, you could do so if you wanted to.
The trick here is that if you don’t place diet restrictions on yourself, you’ll be less likely to experience nagging food cravings.
So what do you do instead? Splurge with a purpose — you love doughnuts but ‘can’t-live-without’ dark chocolate? Then have the chocolate instead of the doughnuts.
And tune in while indulging — eat slowly, enjoy your treat and stop when you’re satisfied. Don’t stuff yourself: trust me, that chocolate bar is not the last one on Earth.
3. Create balance
You had a really greasy beef burger for lunch?
Opt for healthier meals for the next few days — lots of veggies (steamed, baked, grilled, sautéed but not fried), some lean protein (skinless chicken or turkey, grilled fish, meats trimmed of any visible fat) and some whole grains (brown or wild rice, wholemeal bread or pasta, oats, quinoa and so on).
4. Drink up!
Credit: Freepik
We often confuse thirst signals with hunger so next time you feel hungry, down a tall glass of cool water and go do something else before opening the fridge. Chances are you’ll completely forget about that ‘hunger’ pang.
I won’t tell you how many glasses you have to drink — that depends on your body type. Just make sure your urine is clear or pale yellow and odourless.
5. Enjoy breakfast daily
Whatever your reason may be for skipping breakfast, it’s just not worth it. That’s because skipping the most important meal of the day is the best way to:
- Put on weight. Or should I say extra body flab?
- Lack of concentration at work or school.
- Feel lethargic at 10 a.m. and become the ‘run-away from’ type of person at 4 p.m.
- Gorge on unhealthy choices the rest of the day.
- Increase your risks of chronic diseases.
6. Exercise as often as you can
Credit: Karolina Grabowska/Pexels
I’m not saying you should hit the gym daily but when you have time, take the stairs instead of lifts; park your car a little further away — do anything you can to be active daily.
Exercise will significantly boost all the health benefits that come with healthy eating.
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