Eating healthy is easier said than done, and with so much fast-food choices available, it's understandable why. In a study by RBC Insurance and Ipsos Reid, "Most (85 percent) adult Canadians believe they have a healthy lifestyle, but 30 percent regularly eat unhealthy foods such as fast foods or snack foods and one-third (34 percent) want to go on a diet." So if you think you are one of the 30 percent mentioned, here are some ways to start eating healthier.
Eat Often
Don't skip any meals or binge within one meal, which can consequently cause your blood sugar level to go up and down. If you let yourself stay hungry, your metabolism will slow down. Eating six small meals each day will increase your metabolic rate. Not to mention, you'll notice an increase in your energy levels throughout the day. If you're out of the house for a while, pack a small snack in your purse or suitcase.
Shop Smart
When you do your grocery shopping, make a list of healthy items such as fresh fruits, vegetables, hummus, lean chicken, and oatmeal. "Most times when the shopping budget is surpassed, it's because of added items that are not on your list that may be ‘needed’ at some point," says Kristin Peoples, Suite101 writer. As you walk down the grocery aisles, nix processed, canned goods, sugary cereals, pies, candy, doughnuts and anything else that will stray you away from eating well. In the end, you need to practice restraint and willpower.
Practice Portion Control
Remember, every meal doesn't have to be like an all-you-can-eat buffet. According to Tosca Reno, author of the Eat-Clean Diet (Robert Kennedy Publishing 2007), each of your six daily meals should consist of protein that fits in the palm of your hand, whole grains that fit in the cup of one hand, and fruits and vegetables that fits in two cupped hands. If you're eating out, you shouldn't have to feel like you need to eat from the bread basket or the additional food left on your plate. Ask to pack up the leftovers, and let your dinner guests have first (and only) dibs on the bread basket.
Overall, eating healthy will not happen overnight; expect it to take some time. Remember to eat six small meals daily instead of one or two meals, write up a grocery list ahead of time, and watch your food portions. And along with eating healthy, start exercising – start training with weights, get introduced to your elliptical, take dance or karate lessons, do anything to get moving on a regular basis.
