You don’t need to invest in a nutritionist or a personal trainer to improve your health. With just a few simple changes to your diet and eating habits, you can positively affect your life.
Here are some do-it-yourself tips to help you achieve your healthy lifestyle goals♦.
- Substitute water for sugary soda and fruit drinks. If you crave carbonation, choose unsweetened, carbonated water.
- Beware the coffee-based drinks that are made with whole milk, sweetened with syrup and topped with whipped cream. Ask for your latte with skim milk and “no whip” to cut calories.
- Use less fat in cooking and baking. Substitute fruit purées for a significant portion of the oil or butter in baked goods. Thicken soups and sauces with vegetable purées. Buttermilk is an excellent substitute for sour cream or whole milk in cream soups, sauces or mashed potatoes. And, for your holiday pies, try a crust of ground almonds with a minimal amount of oil and syrup rather than lard or butter.
- Revamp your snacks. Rather than snacking on chips, crackers, cookies or candy, opt for a piece of fresh fruit, baby carrots, air-popped popcorn or a cup of low-fat yogurt. If you crave a salty snack, like chips or crackers, choose the baked or reduced-fat version.
- Reduce your intake of saturated fat, sugar, and sodium. Added fat and sugar pile on unwanted calories, and consumed in excess, they contribute to weight gain.
- Increase your intake of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, fish and dairy products. These foods contain a multitude of vitamins, minerals and other compounds, such as fiber and antioxidants, that promote health.
- Be a conscientious consumer when eating out. Ask for salad dressing, butter, sour cream, and sauces on the side, so you can control how much is added. Avoid dishes that are prepared with cream or served with a cream sauce. Select foods that have been steamed, broiled or baked, rather than fried or sautéed.
- For dessert, choose fruit sorbet or share your dessert with a friend. Don’t hesitate to ask for a take-home container.
Many people equate healthy eating with expensive but don’t let your budget be a barrier to eating healthy. Eating more meals at home is a simple lifestyle change that can add up to big savings, plus you can cook once and serve twice by using leftovers for lunch the next day. Simple, smart planning with your food can help you make it happen.
You can’t control everything in your life but you can control what you put in your body.
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To Your Success,
Althea
Althea A. McLeish Wilson, RN, MSN
Promoting inner health & outer beauty!
Helping you thrive, not just survive!!
PS. Inner Health & Outer Beauty Store: Health & Wellness with Althea♦
PPS. Did You Find This Helpful? If so, please feel free to share!! Leave a comment or contact me at althea@altheamcleish.com.
Resource/Reference:
American College of Sports Medicine♦
