Healthy Eating: What Does that Mean?

Healthy Eating Tips

Following a healthy eating plan is so important to maintain good health status. The only problem is that there are so many definitions today and ideas of what it means to be "eating healthy" that it is hard to know what to do! I healthy diet plan understand your concern because I have also been stuck asking myself "What Should I Be Eating?" many, many times!

Here are some basic healthy eating tips that I have learned and have incorporated into my lifestyle. I hope that you find these beneficial?

1. Foods are neither GOOD or BAD, there are simply better choices available. There are so many choices today but one thing that we have to remind ourselves is that we are all human. Yes, there are foods that are not that great for us but we all need to fulfill our desire to "cheat" once in awhile. So, if you feel that you want to have that candy bar, go ahead! Just remember that you now need to make better choices for the rest of the day! It is when you are constantly making those unhealthy eating choices that it will get you into trouble!

2. Make slow, moderate changes to your diet. The first thing that most everyone does when going on a "diet" is that we start with unrealistic changes. Just like starting a fitness program, we are determined to run 5 miles a day, 7 days a week but how long does that really last for mos of us? Treat your healthy eating plan the same way.

Start by making small, more realistic modifications to your diet. For example, change from regular soda to diet soda, or full fat products to reduced fat version of the same products. I also recommend that you start with one simple change and conquering that one before you start making additional changes to your diet. You will be much more successful in your journey towards creating a healthy diet plan.

3. Incorporate the Food Guide Pyramid. For those of you who don't know the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) has a great, FREE resource called the Food Guide Pyramid to help us eating a more balance diet. In the early 2000's, the USDA made modifications to the food pyramid which includes a more balanced approach to eating healthier as well as promoting the importance of physical fitness how to to stay fit! Learn more about this FREE site. healthy eating

4. Understand How to Read a Nutrition Label. Nutrition labels are of course mandated to be provided on every food item on the market. They are there for a reason which is obviously to help us make better choices so be sure to educate yourself on how to read them and use them to help maintain a healthy diet plan.

5. Know How Many Calories Your Body Needs. In my opinion the best way to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight is to know how many calories your body needs on a daily basis. It takes a reduction of 3,500 calories to lose one pound of body weight so reducing your current caloric intake by a minimum of 500 calories a day for 7 days will help you lose 1-2 pounds a week, the safest and the most successful way to lose weight. Calorie Counting Book Ideas

6. Understand Portion Control. One of the reasons that our society is experiencing such a huge increase in overweight and obesity is partly (ok, probably mostly) due to the fact that portions have increase exponentially over the past 10-20 years. Another influential factor is due to the fact that we eat out more than we did in the past. Portions served at restaurants are 3 times what the should be so make sure that you watch out there too. Understanding the difference between portion and servings is very important in achieving a healthy eating plan and weight management so know the difference between the two.

7. Supplement Your Diet. It is impossible to eat enough foods that gives your body all of the nutrients that it needs to function properly which is why adding high quality supplements to your healthy diet plan is so important. Adding in multi-vitamins, nutritional shakes and beverages, antioxidant drinks to your eating plan will ensure that you get the essential vitamins, nutrients, minerals that your body needs to stay healthy. If you need some recommendations, I am happy to help you find the right product to meet your needs. As an Independent Beachbody Coach, we have tons of wonderful products to meet your needs!

8. Eat a Variety of Nutrient-Rich Foods. Incorporate plenty of whole grains, fruits and vegetables, as well as low-fat dairy and high quality proteins into your day as they are the key ingredients of a healthy diet plan. Try to use the Food Guide Pyramid to help you determine how many servings of each that you need on a daily basis.

9. Don't Eliminate Entire Food Groups. This is probably one of my biggest pet peeves when I hear people encouraging or trying to eliminate and ENTIRE food group from their diet plan. Once again, our body needs variety in order to get all nutrients so please, please don't cut out food groups. Not only does our body need variety, but also what is the first thing you think about when you eliminate it from your diet? You guessed it! What you took out so, it is better to cut back than completely eliminate it!

10. Consume less processed and canned foods. Many of these items are jam packed with sodium and LOTS of it. Many frozen entrees contain quite a bit of sodium which of course helps extend the shelf life of these products. So, paying close attention to how much sodium is in products as well as eliminating convenience-based or pre-packaged foods is strongly recommended. Keeping sodium intake per day of 2,500 mg of less is best and especially for those with or at risk for high blood pressure.

If you remember these simple 10 tips while trying to develope a healthy eating plan, you will be further ahead than most people not using them. If you need any help or have any questions about healthy eating, please feel free to contact me!