5 Tips for Eating Healthier

5 Healthy Eating Tips

Healthy eating is a learned behavior. It is something to practice over time until it becomes a habit. Try these tips to improve the quality of your diet, one small step at a time.

1. Keep healthy foods on hand.

Set yourself up for success with high nutrient, low calorie options such as whole grains, vegetables, fruit, and lean proteins. Try to limit the amount of “trigger” foods that you have in your pantry. Use the How to Stock a Healthy Kitchen in Week 5 for recommendations on how to improve choices at home.

2. Choose low calorie, high fiber foods

At the beginning of meals and between meals. You will consume more nutrients (such as vitamins and minerals) on fewer calories. For example, starting a meal with a green salad or broth-based soup may help you eat fewer calories during the meal.

3. Downsize your dishes.

Use smaller plates, bowls and food storage containers to reduce portions without feeling deprived. Bigger portions encourage higher calorie consumption. Spend a few minutes after returning from the grocery store to repackage foods into smaller “grab and go” snacks and meals to help with portion control.

4. Eat every 3-4 hours.

Three meals and two snacks can help you control hunger, prevent large swings in blood sugar, and keep your metabolic engine going. Focus on healthy options such as whole grains, vegetables, fruit, and lean proteins.

5. Say NO to second helpings.

It takes about 20 minutes for your body to communicate fullness to the brain. Stop eating after your first helping. You can always have a snack if you become hungry later.