It is true what they say, an apple a day does in fact keep the doctor away. Incorporating better nutrition into your daily diet will not only make you healthier today but it will help you stay healthier in the long run as well. Here are a few different ways to a better diet and life.
Control that Sweet Tooth
In the wee hours of the night, it is like a tiny voice in the back of our head starts to whisper “ice cream, chocolate, cupcakes sounds good too.” Quiet that voice by slicing an apple and eating it with peanut butter. It’ll satisfy that sugar craving while still staying on track.
Portion is Key
Half of your plate should be filled with vegetables or a mixture of fruits and vegetables. The protein should be the size of your fist. Filling your plate like this helps you from adding other bad foods onto it. We’re looking at you cheesy potatoes, go away!
Some Fats are Better than Others
Whenever possible, use vegetable oils (corn, olive, sesame) instead of butter. Butter contains saturated fat, which increases the “bad” (LDL) cholesterol in your blood. Vegetable oils are a great substitute because they contain the least saturated fat.
There’s Such a Thing as Too Much Protein
While protein is needed for a balanced diet, too much can cause more harm than good. Usually protein is coming from foods with saturated fat, which we know is not good (look at the last point.) Do not cut protein out of your diet, just make sure you are proportioning your protein intake and getting your protein from chicken, fish and beans. Red meat is safe to eat but try to eat it only once in a while and stick to the leanest cuts.
Whole Grain vs. White
Whole grain is always a better option than white or refined grains. Whole grain contains dietary fiber which is essential for a healthy diet and it makes you feel fuller which may mean less calorie intake.
Read Food Labels
Food labels have so much more to them than just listing how many calories are in something. Look for foods that are high in vitamins, dietary fiber and minerals and not sugar, sodium and saturated fat.
It is Okay to Cheat
Indulging is okay once in a while. If you don’t, you might go a little crazy. Make up for your cheat day during the rest of the week while eating better and exercising a tad bit harder.
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