Dieting no longer refers to plain iceberg lettuce and wilted tomatoes. Eating healthily, however, does not mean that you have to give up your enjoyment of food. Nutrition can be an exciting and fulfilling part of your life. Try these simple tips to jump-start your efforts towards improving your nutrition, and start appreciating food as nourishment for your body.Many people don’t get enough protein and it’s very important. Lean proteins, such as eggs and fish, are best. Pork and chicken are good protein sources as well. Protein is essential for muscle growth and satisfies hunger; it is a key nutrient in any healthy diet.Do not wait until you are full to stop eating. This helps to prevent you from eating too much and signals to your body that it is time to digest the food. Refraining from eating puts you back in control of your eating habits.Switch from processed white bread and flour to whole grains. Whole wheat is healthier than processed white flour and contains more fiber and protein. Whole grain foods can reduce cholesterol and keep you feeling full. Make sure “whole” is an ingredient in the list. It is smart to eat a variety of protein on a weekly basis. Select fish, skinless poultry, and lean meats. Also, eggs can be a very valuable source of protein during your meals. Studies indicate that eating an egg daily won’t affect your health negatively. You should have at least one day a week that is meatless. You can add protein to your meatless meals with nuts, beans, peas, tofu, cheese and many other interesting options.Be sure to take your time eating. Slow down and carefully, consciously chew your food. Instead of rushing through each meal, take your time. Chew very slowly and enjoy every single bite. This is going to get you feeling full earlier than before. It will also be much less likely that you overeat.Supplement your foods with inulin. It’s found in leeks, garlic and artichokes. This carbohydrate helps you lose weight and sort out any digestive issues. Garlic is an excellent immune booster as well. You can always blanch garlic to reduce its smell if you’re worried about your breath, or you can take a non-odorous garlic supplement.
To eat enough protein without all the meat, think about beginning to eat Quinoa. It is a food that is rich in essential amino acids but is not meat. It’s also chock full of vitamins and free of gluten. Because Quinoa has a mild and nutty flavor, it also tastes great, so you’re certain to enjoy it.Try to reduce the amount of foods you eat that need to be cooked in the microwave. Anything that comes pre-packaged and just needs a quick zap is filled with a lot of preservatives that can keep weight on.
Baked Foods
Look to eat baked foods over fried foods. Normally foods that are baked will be healthier and have much less carbohydrates, fatty oils and calories. Also, you will feel a lot more energetic during the day if you consume quality baked foods on a daily basis.Eating organic foods can be an effective way of increasing the nutritional content of your diet. Foods that are certified organic are known to contain more in the way of vitamins, minerals and nutrients than most of the processed and so-called fresh foods sold today. Choose lean meats and fruits and vegetables to get the nutrition you need. Try some, and you will notice the difference.Bake, broil, grill or roast your meats to keep them healthy. You can replace butter with cooking spray to reduce the amount of fat you eat. When you prepare ground beef, always strain and rinse it to get rid of the fat. This removes a lot of extra fat.As you can see, eating a balanced, nutritious diet is easy and fun. There is a lot of room for creativity in the world of food, so it is a wonderful way to enhance your quality of life without limiting yourself. These tips are only the beginning to a new, healthier you!