There are so many sources that, in fact, it may seem overwhelming. These people are (mostly) well-meaning. They really do want to help, but health and nutrition are confusing, right?
Well, healthy eating can be confusing, but it doesn't have to be. Sure, there are people that spend thousands and thousands of dollars studying healthy eating. There are people who devote their lives to fully understanding nutrition and how the body converts food to energy. But for the vast majority of us, there is an easy way to eat healthfully.
If you want to ignore the latest fads and never be confused about healthy eating again, just follow these 3 tips:
Plan Ahead. If you wait until 6:00 to look in the cupboards and plan dinner, it’s going to be hard to make healthy choices. Without planning ahead, you’re likely to be missing key ingredients, or lack the time to cook, so you’ll “default” to the easiest meal you can think of. Even planning one day ahead can help. What’s interesting is that planning ahead encourages you to think about how to cook a healthy meal, while at the same time reducing last minute stress.
Divide Your Plate. To eat healthfully, nutritionists tell us we should be eating about 50 percent fruits and vegetables, 25 percent lean protein, and 25 percent whole grains. So that you don’t have to think about it, just divide your plate into 4 equal parts (quarters). Fill 2 quarters (1/2) of your plate with vegetables and a bit of fruit, then fill 1/4 with carbohydrates like rice, beans, or sweet potatoes, and use the remaining 1/4 for lean protein like meat or fish.
Splurge on a (Small) Treat. Do you crave cake at the office party, or ice cream after dinner? Instead of loading up your plate and then overeating, try dishing up the equivalent of just 3-5 bites. Eat those 3-5 bites and then pause. Have a conversation or read a book for 15 minutes. If you still crave the dessert, then dish up another 3-5 bites and repeat. For most people, the first 3-5 bites of a treat are enough to satisfy their urge and they don’t need to go back for more.
By following these 3 tips, you can eat healthfully without becoming a nutrition expert. Try them and see just how much difference they can make in your eating.
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