Eating a healthy a balanced meal does not require you to be a rocket scientist. We all truly and inherently know what foods are nutritious and which aren't. However gentle reminders are necessary to keep us all on track.
Below are 5 tips that will help you:
- Be aware – pay attention to what you eat by taking notes. Yes, keeping a diet journal will help you to take note of the foods you actually eat. You can then see what your diet looks like. Many like to imagine they are eating healthy foods, but when it's written down, you will avoid fooling yourself.
- Fruits and veggies – eat fruits and vegetables with every meal. This is not difficult if you think about it, fruits and vegetables can certainly be included in your breakfast by adding peppers or spinach to your omelet and fresh fruit as a side dish or in your smoothie. The essential vitamins found in fruits and vegetables are necessary for your daily needs.
- Eat whole grain – adding more whole grain to your diet does not mean eating only whole wheat bread. Try adding some different grains to your diet such as bran muffins. Another great grain to try is quinoa as well as choosing a wild rice variety instead of the usual white grain. Be adventurous and make eating healthy fun.
- Buy fresh – this may be difficult at times but make a conscious effort of purchasing fresh will help with your healthy eating experience. Fresh is always best and if you can purchase from your local farmers that's even better. Shopping in the perimeter of your grocery store is always advised since this is where the fresher items are usually kept.
- Read labels – this is a very easy tip, perhaps the easiest of all. However, as easy as it may seem it can also be the most difficult. Training yourself to read labels will help in choosing healthier foods for you and your family. If you notice the values for daily intake of fat, carbohydrates and protein are too high, then place that item back on the shelf and walk away.
Dr. Daisy Sutherland is the Founder/CEO of Dr. Mommy Online. She is a doctor, author, mentor, speaker, wife & mom to 5 children. Dr. Mommy's mission is to ~ Help Busy Women and Men with her 'Get Real' approach to living a happier and healthier lifestyle. Watch for new book: 'Letting Go of Super Mom' coming out August 7, 2012.
