10 Healthy Eating Habits That Will Change Your Life

More times than not, we may be finding ourselves calling in a pizza, ordering takeout, or driving through, well, the drive thru after the so-called “diet” falls through. But good eating practices are much more than salads, chicken and rice, fruit for dessert, and prospective burnout. Practice these healthier eating habits to not only achieve and maintain health goals, but to change your life!

10 Healthier Eating Habits 

1. Eat Colors of the Rainbow

When it comes to consuming colorful produce, the more, the better! Vibrant fruits and veggies supply ample nutrients, including fiber and powerful phytochemicals that protect the body against oxidative damage. Throw spinach into smoothies, roast various squash assortments, snack on fresh blueberries, along with experimenting and trying out new foods.

2. Add, Do Not Subtract

Thinking about limiting and ridding foods poses negative thoughts and may hinder motivation for healthier eating. So rather than focusing on subtracting less-than-healthful foods, practice good eating by incorporating whole grains, fresh produce, lean meats, dairy products, and healthy fats. Increasing such foods can naturally reduce room for other fillers that tend to supply nothing more than calories, sugar, fat, and salt. 

3. Stray Away from Calorie Counting

Although calorie counting is valuable for individuals to understand and track foods consumed, calories are just a small portion of the health equation and may not totally be worth your efforts and stress. Rather than fixating on calories, focus attention on whole foods. Healthier eating naturally takes care of calorie counting, without the need to tally them up on your end, while supplying the body with nutrients it needs.

4. Have A Game Plan

Ordering off a menu or shopping at the grocery store can be dangerous territories, especially when hunger strikes and all foods look tempting. Having a game plan by formulating a grocery list or looking at the menu prior to dinner can reduce the risk of impulse buys and orders.

5. Eat Flavorful Foods

Individuals tend to perceive “diet” food as lacking flavor and dull, being less to be desired, and increasing the temptation of others. However, nutrient-rich foods can also be packed with flavor with the use oils, herbs and spices.

6. Meal Prep

“Fail to plan and plan to fail” holds much truth when it comes to good eating practices. Meal prepping encourages individuals to organize weekly meals in hopes to reduce temptations of after work drive thru runs. Find a beginner’s guide to meal prepping guide to meal prepping here, along with recipes and ideas.

7. Snack

While snacking may be a habit you already implement, it may deserve some thoughtful modifications. Snacking can actually be a healthy eating habit, especially when consuming snacks ample in fiber and protein, as it may help lessen the risk of overeating come mealtime. Healthful snacks include veggie slices and hummus, banana and peanut butter, and berries and Greek yogurt.

8. Implement Mindful Eating

Mindful eating is a rising approach for both physical and mental health, as it helps nurture the body and strengthen relationships with food. The practice focuses on eating intuitively, monitoring hunger and satiety based on body cues and appreciating the taste and smell of nourishing foods.

9. Drink Water

Drinking more water also follows the “add, not subtract” rule, especially when trying to reduce soda intake. Keeping hydrated is imperative for the body to carry out numerous physiological processes, helps improve digestion, and may assist in weight loss and maintenance. Healthy adults should aim for at least eight, 8-ounce glasses of water per day.

10. Eat Your Calories and Nutrients

Food should be the number one source of calories and nutrients. Drinks, especially sugary ones and alcohol, may not only pack on empty calories, but does so quickly. Nutrition experts encourage people to eat their calories, rather than drink, to help ensure nutrient content and naturally keep calories in check.