Healthy Eating Tips for Spring
How many of you started a new year’s resolution to make better choices when it comes to food? I did! And here I am as Spring is approaching noticing that my motivation has disappeared and I’m right back to where I started. There’s good news though! It’s never too late to start over! Any time is a great time to find ways to be a healthier version of yourself. Why not start with making baby steps towards healthier eating habits now! Here are a few simple tips to get you started!
- Try new vegetables! Or, a different way to prepare them.
Vegetables are packed with nutrients that our bodies need. It can get old eating the same salad day after day. So, try to spruce it up! Add different vegetables such as broccoli or roasted sweet potatoes to your every day salad. Or, just try to prepare vegetables differently than you are used to. Try roasting them with a drizzle of olive oil or throwing them on the grill! You’d be surprised by the change of taste and texture that creates. Make extra so you can store some in your refrigerator for your next meal!
- Try to eat smaller portions.
There are ways that you can actually trick yourself into eating smaller portions! Yep! Trick yourself! Buy smaller plates so it’s harder to load up. And, another way to trick yourself? Once you get your portions, put the leftovers away immediately. It takes more effort to get everything back out to eat another serving this will help you keep those portions small!
- Meal prep!
I know, this one is daunting! But once you get the hang of it, it’s not so bad! Not only will it help you with portion control, it saves time in the long run! It will also save you a trip to the nearest fast-food joint. When you spend the time to meal prep you are way more likely to reach for what is in your fridge than to run out to grab something! Keep it simple! Make large portions of the protein of your choice, roast some vegetables, add your favorite seasonings and throw them all together in to-go containers!
- Snack wise
If you’re like me you like to snack! I will go through my day eating whatever is accessible and easy to grab! I have learned to meal prep small bags of different kinds of fruit that are easy to grab and go. That way I’m not grabbing the nearest bag of chips or box of candy! I still get my sweet treat but don’t have to feel guilty about it later! I also like to prep bags of nuts and different kinds of cheeses. I will even throw in a small amount of dark chocolate chips with my nuts to add that little bit of sweet that I crave!
- Hydrate!
Train yourself to always have a large bottle of water with you at all times. Sometimes we simply just eat because we are bored. When you have a water bottle on hand it can help curve the craving to snack! If you get sick of water or just hate the taste of it, try to spice it up a bit by throwing in some of your favorite fresh citrus fruits or herbs in to infuse it! Mix it up by adding something different every day! Fresh mint, cucumbers, lime, and berries are a few of my favorites!
- Shop smart!
So, here’s the deal, you are probably going to eat what is in your house. Am I right? So why not start to shop smart! Choose a grocery store that has a wide variety of fresh and local produce? (psst… Kent’s Market is my favorite). Shop the perimeters of the store to ensure you aren’t consumed by all of the processed foods. Make sure you make a list of the items you need and stick to it! Fill your pantry and refrigerator full of nutritious foods to help keep you on track!
There are a lot of ways to keep you on the right track to a healthier lifestyle. But start small if you have to and implement new techniques as you go! We are all in this together! Try to find an accountability partner who will be cheering you on and walking along side you during this journey! Happy healthy eating!