Lifestyle Change
“Go on a diet” is one of the most popular New Year’s resolutions every year. However, restrictive fad diets are not the solution to becoming healthier. They can also create an overall bad relationship with food. So, in order for your body to be strong and healthy, you must first realize that the food you eat is your body’s fuel. Changing to this perspective makes it easier for healthy eating to become a part of your long-term lifestyle instead of just a short-term way to lose weight.
Healthy Cooking Tips
One of the first steps to making healthy eating a part of your lifestyle is learning how to make healthy and delicious meals at home. Here are some tips from EatingWell on how to cook healthier!
- Cook with “good” fats: Not all fat is bad! According to Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, unsaturated fats are considered “good” fats because they can improve blood cholesterol levels, ease inflammation and stabilize heart rhythms. So when cooking, opt for olive or canola oil instead of butter. Also, try incorporating avocados, nuts, and seeds into your dishes.
- Go unrefined: Choose whole grains instead of refined grains at the grocery store. This ensures you are getting more fiber, B vitamins, magnesium, zinc and other nutrients.
- Remember portion control: When cooking dinner, think about plating. You want half the plate to be filled with non-starchy vegetables of all colors. Then 1/4 should be dedicated to lean protein, about the size of a deck of cards, and the last 1/4 should be made up of whole grains.
- Reduce sugar and sodium intake: Aim to buy only fresh ingredients for your meals. This isn’t always possible, so just be mindful of food labels when buying packaged food. Then, try flavoring your dishes with fresh herbs, spices, and citrus instead of sauces or dressings.
Following these tips will not only help you enjoy healthier meals, but they will also help you on your journey to maintaining a healthy lifestyle! Click here to read the full article.
