We live in a busy world that can make eating healthier seem challenging, if not downright impossible.
Still, we can’t let this hinder our wellness journey.
So, in this post, we’re breaking down 5 healthy eating hacks to help you take control of your diet and overall health.
Be prepared to boost your nutrition and well-being with these game-changing tips!
Why do I struggle to eat healthy?
There may be many reasons why someone struggles to eat healthily.
You might be a picky eater (like me) or have dietary restrictions that make it harder to choose healthier options.
There might also be a lack of finances, resources, or access to healthy foods.
Whatever the reason, there are simple steps you can take to overcome some of these obstacles and improve your dietary choices.
5 Healthy Eating Hacks
A common misconception in nutrition is that eating healthy is too expensive or that the food isn’t as tasty as the alternatives.
But that’s not necessarily the case.
Eating healthy can be a smart and cost-effective choice. Plus, it saves you money over time by reducing healthcare costs as you get older.
So, here are 5 healthy eating hacks to get you started on a more nutritious path.
Meal Prep
Meal prepping is the act of preparing meals, snacks, and recipes ahead of time to eat on the go or enjoy at home.
Meal prep is a great tool because it removes many of the roadblocks to eating healthy.
While meal prep requires some planning, it’s incredibly convenient, faster than cooking every day, and reduces your reliance on fast food.
When meal prepping, choose ingredients that work with different recipes, have a shelf life of at least a few days, and are quick to put together.
Make Healthy Snacks
Snacks can be a nutritious part of any diet, whether you’re aiming to gain or lose weight.
However, snacking can become problematic based on why you’re snacking, how often you do it, and what you’re snacking on.
When done right, snacking offers energy between meals, helps curb appetite, and boosts nutrition. To snack effectively, avoid eating when you’re not hungry.
Opt for foods with protein, fiber, and whole grains to keep hunger at bay.
Pay attention to your cravings and choose snacks you genuinely enjoy.
For instance, try nuts or popcorn if you’re craving something salty. If you’d like something sweet make chocolate protein balls or a fruit cup.
If you’re not picky, high-fiber or water-content foods can fill you up quickly.
Always check the nutritional label to get the most out of your snack. Lastly, aim for 150 to 250 calories per snack and limit snacking to twice a day.
Eat Fruit Instead of Drinking Juice
Another healthy hack to transform your diet is to eat whole fruit instead of drinking juice.
Fruits are packed with nutrients that help our bodies function optimally. However, juicing strips the fruit of many beneficial compounds and dietary fiber.
Juices are absorbed more quickly, causing blood sugar and insulin levels to spike, which can contribute to conditions like diabetes over time.
So, skip the juice and aim for at least two servings of whole fruit per week.
Fruits like blueberries, grapes, and apples are linked to a lower risk of developing diabetes.
Choose Better Fast Food Options
Fast food is often regarded as unhealthy, but not all fast food is hot dogs and french fries.
The beauty of living in this time period is that we have a variety of healthier options on the menu.
Checking the calorie count can help ensure you’re not overeating and allow you to modify meals for better alternatives.
This could mean swapping out white bread for whole grain, adding extra vegetables, or opting for a plant-based option instead of meat.
Some restaurants even let you build your own plate. If you’re sticking to the drive-thru, avoid fried foods, high-calorie sides and toppings, and sugary drinks.
Try ordering smaller meals and go for skinless poultry over beef. For your drink, choose water, unsweetened tea, or fat-free or low-fat milk.
Use the Healthy Eating Plate
The Healthy Eating Plate is a guide that shows you how to create healthy, balanced meals.
It’s especially helpful for those trying to lose weight because it offers a brilliant blueprint for portion sizes and food selection.
The Healthy Eating Plate suggests that half your meal consists of fruits or vegetables in a variety of colors, a quarter of your plate should be whole grains, and another quarter should be some kind of protein.
Don’t forget to include healthy plant oils (in moderation) for cooking or as toppings. For drinks, go with water, tea, or even coffee. If you’d like a printable Healthy Eating Plate map, click here!
Healthy Eating Hacks for Healthy Living
We all want to live healthier, happier lives, and these five healthy eating hacks are a great place to start.
They prove that putting your well-being first can be as simple as swapping out a meal choice in the drive-thru.
But remember, you don’t have to adopt all these hacks at once or rush into anything. Choose the hack that fits your lifestyle and move at your own pace.
Happy Eating!
Special Thanks:
Photo by Bakd&Raw by Karolin Baitinger on Unsplash
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