BA50 TalkersIf you’ve ever watched the channel for Hampton Creek on YouTube, then you’ve probably felt inspired to start making healthier choices when it comes to what you eat. Food can determine whether we feel energized or lethargic. It can also influence our weight, our complexion and our overall health. Unfortunately, in today’s world of hectic schedules and fast food places that are quick and easy to access, it can be all too simple to make poor food choices that lead to poor health.
You don’t have to completely change the way you eat and live your life in the course of one day. In fact, trying to do so can just result in feeling frustrated and going back to your poor habits. Instead, eating healthier is a practice that is best incorporated into your life gradually. To help you begin to eat healthier, here are some small changes that you can start making, without completely changing how you eat.
Drink A Lot Of Water
Many times when people think they’re hungry, they’re actually just thirsty. Drinking more water has a whole plethora of health benefits; indeed, increasing your water intake is the easiest and cheapest way to improve your health. Keep a water bottle with you at all times and drink plenty throughout the day. You’ll find that you experience fewer hunger pangs and only feel the urge to eat when you are genuinely hungry.
Try Healthier Substitutes
You don’t have to completely change what you eat, but you can try some substitutions that you’ll barely notice but that will dramatically reduce the overall caloric value of your meals. Instead of regular mayonnaise, try a lower fat alternative. Instead of eating milk chocolate, try very dark chocolate, which is lower in calories and packed with nutrients. There are tons of little substitutions that you can make to improve your diet without even really noticing a difference.
Eat More Plants
Fruits and vegetables will always be the best thing for your diet. If you want to look better, feel better and improve your health, the best course of action is to incorporate more plant foods into your diet. Raw fruits and vegetables make great filling snacks that will fill you up between meals without raising your caloric intake for the day. They are also packed with fiber, which aids in digestion, makes you feel full and keeps you slim.
Avoid Fast Food
Fast food isn’t just high in calories; rather, it’s also packed with chemicals and unhealthy fats. Try to prepare ahead of time so that you can avoid running to fast food places when you get hungry throughout the day. It can be a good idea to keep a granola bar or an apple in your desk drawer or briefcase for this very reason.
Just Do The Best You Can
It can be easy to “cheat” on a diet. However, you should never beat yourself up about having a cupcake here or a slice of pizza there. Life is meant to be enjoyed and that includes food. Instead of obsessing about the big picture, just focus on keeping individual meals healthy whenever you can. The more you do this, the more you’ll see a positive change to your weight and health.
Improving your eating habits doesn’t have to be torture. Instead, incorporate these tips to gradually improve your diet over time. Remember, it’s not about being the world’s most perfect eater. It’s about simply trying to do the best you can at every meal and improving the quality of the foods that you consume on a daily basis.