Proper nutrition is simple, not complicated as most of us believe it to be. Unhealthy eating habits are an important reason for the rising incidence of obesity and serious medical conditions. The following nutrition tips can help weight loss, boost your energy and keep you healthy.
Eat breakfast every day: Kick start your day with a healthy breakfast as this is the meal that fuels the body and brain after an overnight fast. Experts recommend that breakfast should be eaten within two hours of waking up. Make sure you have food that includes important nutrients such as calcium, iron and B vitamins as well as lean protein and fiber. Studies have shown that many people who skip breakfast tend to end up eating high sugar and fatty snacks mid-morning.
Go natural: Avoid processed food and eat more whole foods like fruits and vegetables. Some processed items like milk and juices have added calcium and vitamin D, and breakfast cereal may have added fiber. If you do buy anything processed, check out the fat, sugar and calorie count on the food label.
Don’t rush into a new diet: It is not advisable to change your entire diet all of a sudden. Bring in some small changes first and gradually work toward a proper healthy diet. This will help you achieve your long-term healthy weight and nutrition goals.
Don’t completely avoid your favorite food: Abstaining from eating your favorite food would only make you unhappy. You may even end up eating more in the short run. Instead, reduce the portions and replace them with tasty and healthier options.
Eat healthy fats: Not all fats are bad. Healthy fat options include olive oil, nuts, seeds, avocado, fish, and flaxseed.
Keep portions small: Instead of three big meals a day, have smaller portions of food spread evenly across the day.
Stay hydrated: To stay hydrated, drink plenty of fresh water. Green tea and other non-caloric beverages are also good choices, but stay away from sugary drinks and sodas.
Reframe your environment: You should have an environment that will help you to stick to your healthy diet. So fill your cupboard with healthy ingredients. Cooking your own food is healthy as this keeps you in control of what you eat.
Keep a food diary: Keep a note on the food you take every day and how your body reacted to it. Every week or month, turn back the notes to see how you met the target all these days. This will motivate you to stick to your plan and also work out more effective changes in the long run.