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We often hear about the need to “eat healthy” all around, but what does this mean exactly? Healthy food is primarily related to healthy cooking. Synonyms for healthy cooking are numerous: health food, dietary cooking, healthy cuisine, quality food, etc.. Indeed, healthy eating encompasses many elements and it is important to combine them all together. Here 10 healthy eating habits resolutions to get a good start in 2013
1. Reduce fat
This is obvious. Fat is the sworn enemy of people watching their weight. Yet it often seems normal to bathe our food with oil or butter. Instead use olive oil, which is less rich in saturated fatty acids.
Better yet, you can invest in a non-stick pan to cook your meat and fish, or focus on steaming.For your cake, rather than lining the baking dish with butter or oil, why not opt for parchment paper?
2. Balance your meals
Balance your meals. It is normal to cook too much at times, but the best way to eat healthy is just learning to balance meals! Combine higher calories products with lighter foods to compensate.
For example, if you have a burning desire for ribs, also have beans cooked with steam.
3. Eat fresh seasonal vegetables
Eating fresh, seasonal vegetables is less expensive than frozen vegetables. If you can, get your vegetables from a market, where they offer a better value for your money.
4. Choose products that have not undergone processing
Try to choose products that have not undergone industrial processing, for example eat potatoes instead of dehydrated mashed potatoes, or pasta and rice that you prepare yourself. They contain fewer preservatives and additives than products sold under vacuum seal or already cooked.
5. Vary your meals
Vary your meals. It’s not just about how to eat well, but also knowing what to eat! You should vary your meals so you don’t become frustrated while remaining within your diet. Say goodbye to diet plans consisting of a single food! If you are satisfied with your dinner, you will reduce the risk of falling for sweets after 11pm.
Now you know how to eat when you’re dieting. But I will not leave you without one last little trick. As part of a diet, drinking a full glass of water 20 minutes before the meal is a natural appetite suppressant. To finish a meal with green tea will help digestion.
6. Choose products that have not undergone processing
Try to choose products that have not undergone industrial processing, for example eat potatoes instead of dehydrated mashed potatoes, or pasta and rice that you prepare yourself. They contain fewer preservatives and additives than products sold under vacuum seal or already cooked.
7. Calculate portions
This is a very important point that should not be ignored if you want to prepare lighter and healthier meals. You will need to know how to balance your energy intake. While it is advisable to consume all foods to vary your diet, the amount should be given special attention.
A small portion of fries complemented by an average serving of steamed green beans allows you to eat a fun food and be satiated without seeing the effects on your waistline! Check this post to learn how you can better control your meal portions.
8. Promote quality time with your family by cooking at home
Dinner tables are a good place to share experiences and exchange views, after a long day of work or school. This way you can serve children a healthy diet and be their role model as well. By doing this, you get to save money and instill the value of eating together as a family while taking care of each family member.
9. Combine healthy vegetables, starch and protein at every meal
It’s the synergy of these three healthy food groups that will help you avoid tiredness and snacking between meals! If your lunch break is reduced to a sandwich opt for combining it with mixed vegetables, bread or whole grain bread.
10. Exercise every day
A healthy body needs action! Even if you are not a great sportsman, be sure to include at least 30 minutes of physical activity during your day.
11. Reduce salt intake for a healthy diet
We should not consume more than 8 grams per day! Don’t put salt if you haven’t tasted your meal yet. Think of herbs and spices that often make dishes tasty without the need for added salt. Be careful with the salt “hidden” in most dishes.
12. Replace snack food with healthy food
If you feel irritable or in pain and you must eat something consider the following tips. In this case, you must organize your “snacking instincts“. Often these snacks are quick and easy comfort foods to eat and prepare. We must therefore circumvent the snacking enemy.
Do you like salty foods? Then go for radishes, pickles, surimi, cherry tomatoes, small raw carrots, raw cauliflower, cucumber. It’s not as tasty as snacking on a packet of peanuts in the evening, but your belly will remember this.
You are more of a sweets fan? Make a fruit basket available anytime. It’s a bit higher in calories than vegetables, but it is full of fiber, vitamins and it’s fresh. To snack on an apple is a very competitive way to stop eating junk foods. And then there are the good old 0% fat yoghurts… but don’t eat more than one!
