Small Changes to Make Your Diet Healthier
By Sara Butler
So, you’re ready to eat healthier. Take a deep breath and understand that while this task may seem overwhelming, it doesn’t need to be. In fact, making small changes over time to your diet can add up to make a big difference. If you have no idea where to start to make your eating habits just a bit healthier, here are a few easy things you can do to start.
Add Some Greens
Adding just one serving of greens to your diet per day can have a big impact. Green leafy vegetables have all kinds of benefits to your health, from healthier skin to cancer prevention. Adding just a handful of leafy greens to one of your meals can help you be healthier.
Don’t Overcompensate
If you have a really indulgent meal (hello Thanksgiving!), don’t try to make up for it by eating less the next day or not eating altogether. If you deprive yourself of the healthy foods your body needs in an effort to make up for something you had that wasn’t so healthy, then you’re messing with your metabolism and missing out on important nutrients. If you’re not hungry, don’t force yourself to eat, but if you are hungry, have a balanced meal and just move on from your overindulgence.
Eat Breakfast
You’ve likely heard it a million times before, but eating breakfast is important. Eating breakfast is one of the keys to regulating your hunger for the rest of the day and providing energy to your body to get you through the morning. A breakfast with a form of protein and healthy fats will help you feel satisfied all morning and make your morning a bit brighter!
Have Water with Each Meal
The truth is simple: If you can stay hydrated, then you can stay healthy. Your body uses water for everything and it needs to be replenished regularly or it can impact your ability to concentrate and zap your energy levels. Water is also important to proper digestion, so a glass with a meal will help you keep things chugging along too.
Don’t Miss a Meal
You have to eat regularly in order to stay healthy -- ideally every four hours or so. When you go longer, you risk becoming hangry and no one likes someone who is hangry. Plus, your metabolism can start to slow down. You don’t have to eat a full meal every four hours, but make sure to have on hand some quality snacks, such as a handful of almonds or a piece of fruit.
Make sure to take care of yourself by eating well, but remember that it doesn't have to be difficult!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Northbrook, Ill.