If you want to lose weight, you should start eating a healthy diet. Not only will a change in diet help you look better, it will also make you start to feel better. If you aren’t sure how to start eating a healthy diet, there are a few tips that you should follow.
#1 Stop Eating White Foods
White foods, such as white bread, pasta, and white rice are loaded with bad carbs. It is best to substitute these foods with healthier versions. For example, instead of white bread, you can start eating whole grain bread. Rather than eating white pasta, you can switch to wheat pasta. Finally, instead of eating white rice you can start eating brown rice. Each of these substitutions will help you reach your weight loss goal.
#2 Protein is Important
Not only will protein help you to burn calories faster it is also a natural appetite suppressant. There are plenty of foods that are high in protein such as fish, poultry, eggs, nuts, and beans. If you can incorporate protein into each meal it will help you reach your weight loss goal.
#3 Avoid Certain Types of Fat
You want to avoid food that is high in saturated fat and trans fat. Since you do need some fat in your diet, you should stick with plant oils, fish, and nuts. These are the healthiest types of fat.
#4 Curb Your Craving For Sweet With Fruit
Cookies, cake, pies, and brownies are all unhealthy dessert choices. If you have a craving for sweets, you should have fruit instead. There are many sweet fruits to choose from and they are all very low in calories and high in nutrients.
#5 Veggies are a Great Snack
If you are craving a snack, you should eat raw veggies rather than going for salty snacks. Celery sticks are a great option. If you top your celery sticks with peanut butter it will give them more flavor while giving you a boost of protein. Carrot sticks, broccoli florets, and fresh raw green beans are also excellent snack options.
#6 Stick With Water
If you want to quench your thirst, you should stick to water. If you need a bit of flavor you can add a lemon or a lime wedge to your water. It is best to avoid sugary fruit juices and soft drinks.
#7 Avoid Salt
Too much salt isn’t good for you. Not only can it lead to high blood pressure, it can also make you retain more water than you should.
#8 Eat Several Small Meals
The best way to keep you metabolism up is to eat 6 small meals each day rather than 3 large meals. Not only will it keep you from feeling hungry, raising your metabolism will help you burn calories faster.
#9 Don’t Skip Meals
Many people believe that skipping meals will help them consume fewer calories and lose weight. This is not the case. When you skip a meal, your body goes into starvation mode. When you do finally eat, you won’t be able to burn the calories. Also, skipping meals often results in overeating during your next meal.
#10 Don’t Skip Breakfast
Many people skip breakfast, which is a mistake. You need the energy from your breakfast to help you start your day. Also, if you skip breakfast, you will likely overeat during lunch.
Eating healthy isn’t as difficult as you may think. If you follow the tips listed above, you will be on your way to looking and feeling better.