By Dt. Manoli Mehta.
If you’ve pledged to get healthier and develop healthy eating habits in the new year, you’re not alone. While New Year’s resolutions come in every form, many of us sit down in December and decide this year’s the year to really, truly commit to eating healthier and smarter. Finally, we’re going to eat less sugar, get that whole portion control thing down, snack on actual fruits and veggies, and stop downing a pint of ice cream right before bed.
But even if you really mean it, without an actual plan and strategy in place, your resolutions are more than likely to fall short.
- Eat the rainbow
Every fruit and vegetable have different colors based on the different minerals, vitamins, phytochemicals, and antioxidants it contains. The more colors you paint your plate with, the more variation you’re getting nutrient-wise. Plus, it keeps things interesting so you don’t get bored.
- Pay attention to your food
Mindful eating is paying more attention to how you eat, being more present to make better food choices. If you get the mindful eating down, you will have an easier time creating new habits. Stop eating in front of the TV or computer, put down all distractions, and actually pay attention to what you’re putting on your plate and in your mouth. You’ll feel more satisfied, stop eating when you’re truly full, and ultimately make healthier choices.
- Read ingredient labels
The only way you’ll finally cut back on added sugar or eat less sodium—whatever your specific healthy-eating ambition—is if you know what’s in the food you’re consuming. Packaged foods we buy at the grocery store can have a lot of unnecessary ingredients. Try to stick to natural, organic, whole foods.
- Cook more
The best way to know what’s in your food? By making it yourself. You can also better control your portion sizes. If you serve yourself, you tend to eat less. She suggests playing around with spices to create flavorful dishes you love with less sugar and salt than you’d find at a restaurant.
- Find better ways to manage stress
Stress eating is a bad habit for so many people. By finding other ways to cope with stress, you’ll slowly stop turning to food for comfort. Whether it’s reading a good book, getting a manicure, cooking, going for a run, or whatever else helps you blow off some steam and regroup, find something that helps you unload your stress other than food.
The food you eat can affect your health and your risk for certain diseases. To eat healthier food, you may need to change some of your daily habits. You also may need to change some things in your environment. Your environment includes everything around you, like your home or the place you work.
You don’t need to make huge changes to eat healthier. And you don’t have to change your habits all at the same time. It’s best to set small goals and change your habits a little bit at a time. Over time, small changes can make a big difference in your health. Stick to a sustainable diet plan like Dt. Manoli Mehta’s customised diet plans and start your healthy journey today!