These days, most of us are looking for healthier options when it comes to eating. Gone are the days of just shoveling whatever we want into our mouths. A nation of obesity is forcing Americans to consider exactly what they are eating, as well as how often. There are hundreds of books on the subject, as well as weight loss programs, diet pills, and gyms that are targeting the healthy lifestyle so many of us desire.
There are a number of healthy eating tips that can help the average person in their desire to eat well:
Consider portions. Most people eat nearly double the suggested portion for things like meat, dairy, bread and sweets. Interestingly however, they don’t eat nearly the suggested portion sizes for fresh vegetables and fruits. Understanding appropriate portion control is a good first step in taking control of healthy eating habits.
Consider ingredients. Consulting the cookbooks in your kitchen, check to see what the staples are in your favorite recipes. If butter, salt, and sugar seem to be a recurrent trend, maybe it’s time to think about an overhaul to your favorites.
Consider when you eat. Many people think nothing of settling down after work and snacking. And then eating dinner. And then snacking again during TV time. And then having a bedtime snack. That’s an awful lot of food consumption going on in a short amount of time. Think about WHEN you’re eating, and what’s going on during those time.
Consider where you’re eating. Numerous research studies have been done on the connection between obesity and eating in front of the television. Many people think nothing of taking their dinner plate into the living room and eating while watching their favorite television. No problem if the shows length lasts as long as the food on the plate, but if the show is longer, studies show that people who aren’t even hungry will go get more food, because they equate the entertainment on the television with the entertainment on their plate. Many people will argue that they can’t enjoy a movie at the theater without popcorn; likewise, they can’t enjoy their television shows without food. Taking inventory of your eating habits is just the beginning.
Consider pulling down your cookbooks and getting rid of some, and keeping only those that support healthy eating habits. The internet is a wonderful place to find new recipes.
Ingredients account for an important factor in healthy eating habits as well. Create an ingredient list along with your menu. Studies show that people will often cook with what they have on hand, so having healthy options on hand is vital to healthy eating habits.
Match your menu with low fat, low sodium, low sugar options. Lowering your intake of these particular items doesn’t mean giving up taste. There are many tasty substitutions for each of these that will help you achieve your goal of healthy eating habits while reducing your intake of the stuff that isn’t so good for you. Check out organic options. Many people are discovering that they prefer organic options to synthesized foods.
Whatever choices you make, make certain that your goals are reachable. Nothing is more frustrating than trying to change habits only to fail. Set small goals for healthier eating habits, and as you accomplish each one, move on to the next. Success is just around the corner!
Find out more about cook books