10 Tips to Help You Eat Your Way to a Healthier Lifestyle
Katie Tymkew
| 3 min read
It’s no secret that making healthy lifestyle changes is no easy task and for most people, making small changes are more effective in helping you achieve the health goal you’re striving toward. In honor of National Nutrition Month’s theme of Bite Into a Healthy Lifestyle, we have rounded up ten ways to incorporate healthy eating into your daily lifestyle.
- Make Small Changes
Mastering new habits does not happen overnight. To help get you started try focusing on one change at a time. For example, if eating better is your priority you could try adding a serving of vegetables to your dinner meal three nights per week as a way to ease into the change and keep it realistic.
- Make a Plan and Stick to it
Telling a friend, writing it down or entering your plan in an app are all great ways to stay on track and hold yourself accountable.
- Eat Breakfast
Get a healthy start to the day by eating breakfast. Even if you aren’t a big morning eater, try something small like an apple with peanut butter. If you don’t like typical breakfast foods, have a portion of last night’s dinner leftovers. Eating breakfast helps give your body fuel for the day and can help with weight loss.
- Drink more Water
General recommendations for water intake are eight 8oz glasses daily. If this seems like a lot start small, try adding an extra glass of water per day over the next few weeks. Improving hydration can also improve digestion issues, help with weight loss and keep your body working properly.
- Snack Smarter
Planning ahead can help improve snacking habits. Packing a well balanced snack the night before can help for not only a smoother morning, but also healthier choices. If your time is limited try grabbing fresh fruit, veggies or low-fat yogurt at your local cafeteria to make a quick snack healthy.
- Eat more Fruits & Veggies
A great way to make sure fruits and veggies are a part of your diet is by using them to add color to each meal. Spice up your boring cereal with some mixed berries or add some colorful bell peppers to your omelet. The combinations at each meal are endless.
- Eat less Processed Food
This can be challenging living in a world full of convenience items. Processed foods are full of added sodium and other preservatives. The next time you reach for something off a shelf or packaged for a long shelf life try opting for a fresh option instead.
- Be more Active
Add more steps by parking further away at the store or at work. Take an extra lap around your grocery store when shopping. Instead of taking a coffee break go for a quick 10 minute walk or try adding a power walk to your lunch hour.
- Get more Sleep
Just like children, adults need an adequate amount of sleep to function and be healthy. Try setting a goal of getting to bed at a certain time each night. Limit your “technology” time before bed to fall asleep faster and not be distracted by bright lights or loud alerts.
- Get a Support System
Having friends, family members or coworkers as support can help making changes easier. A support system is a great way to stay motivated, have accountability and challenge one another.
How do you eat your way to a healthier lifestyle? Let us know in the comment section!
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Photo credit: Kevin
