Eating a balanced diet doesn’t have to mean eating food you don’t enjoy at amounts that aren’t filling.
Simple things like replacing certain foods with healthier choices, changing the way you prepare and serve food, and treating certain things as special treats can improve your diet without too much sacrifice.
Check out these tips for some simple actionable ways to eat just a little bit better.
Don’t fret over getting a balanced diet of vegetables, just eat a colorful assortment
Differently colored vegetables contain different nutrients, according to Nutrition Australia. Red vegetables like tomatoes and radishes often contain lycopene, which can help reduce risk of cancer, and orange vegetables like carrots contain betacarotene, which is converted to vitamin A.
Eat slower
Eating meals slower will help you digest, and allow you to realize when you are full. The USDA suggests eating with chopsticks as a way to force yourself to slow down (assuming you aren’t great with chopsticks).
Don’t give up your favorite beverages, but rethink how often you have them
Sodas and energy drinks contain a lot of sugar and calories. If you’re just looking for something to drink, water is a great healthy choice.
Don’t weigh all your food, just use a smaller plate
Serving your meals on a smaller plate will help you control your portions without needing to pay too much attention to exact amounts.
Don’t give up pasta, just add more vegetables
Adding vegetables to a sauce is a great way to add bulk to a pasta dish without adding too many calories, according to the USDA.
Don’t give up your favorite products, just buy the low sodium version
Most Americans consume too much salt – 3,400 mg of sodium, according to the CDC. It’s recommended that you get 2,300 mg per day. Try finding low sodium versions of your favorite items.
Don’t cut out fruit, just get less of it from juice
Whole fruit has more fiber than juice, making you feel more full while taking in fewer calories.