3 Tips for Healthier Eating

Healthy eating can often feel overwhelming, especially when there is so much conflicting information online about what we should and shouldn’t be eating. But it doesn't have to be complicated. In fact, it can be quite simple if you follow the right steps.

Healthy eating means enjoying the different food groups each day to receive the macronutrients and micronutrients your body needs to  function optimally.  Macronutrients include carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. The body needs these food groups in large quantities and uses them predominantly for energy. Micronutrients are needed in much smaller amounts, and they help the enzymes (proteins) in your body complete their essential functions.

To develop sustainable long-term habits, avoid making too many large changes all at once. Instead, focus on making small tweaks in your food intake in order to find the perfect balance of staying healthy and enjoying your meals.

Here are three top healthy eating tips to help you along your health journey. These tips will make it easier to follow a healthier diet and reach your goals.

Load Up On Veggies

Vegetables are packed full of essential micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) that are necessary for your body to function correctly. They are also a great way to bulk up your meals without adding excessive amounts of calories.

Vegetables are rich in soluble fiber, which can slow down the absorption of other carbohydrates. This helps to prevent large spikes in your blood sugar.

Evaluate Your Snacking Habits

Many prepackaged snacks are full of sugar and/or saturated fats. They often have very little nutrition and are packed full of calories. Opt for fresh over processed whenever possible.  Also consider when, why and where you snack.  Mindless eating can lead to eating a whole bag of chips or cookies in one sitting!

By evaluating your current snacking habits you empower yourself to identify where you can make positive changes to maximize your health.

Choose Water

Your body is 60% water, so staying hydrated is important to your health.  Your cells need water to respire and produce energy. When dehydrated, you can experience a range of symptoms, such as headaches, dizziness, and lack of focus.  Stay hydrated for brain function and physical performance.

How much water do you need?   Current recommendations are approximately 15.5 cups of fluids per day for men and 11.5 cups of fluids per day for women.

Remember, other fluids count towards your daily intake, not just water.  However, water will quench your thirst and hydrate your body without sugars or other additives.