5 Ways To Eat Healthier

We have heard this over and over, time and time again: fruit, salad and whole grains are healthier for us than sweets or processed foods. However, eating healthier has to go farther than becoming a chore for us, and we shouldn’t have to compromise taste in the process. Below is five ways to eat healthier:

1. Drink Low-Fat (or Fat Free) Milk. Substituting 2% milk for whole milk will aid in reducing the amount of saturated fat in your diet. The difference is taste, especially when mixed with drinks (coffee, tea, etc), is barely noticeable. Even switching to 1% or skim milk will give you less calories and saturated fat.

2. Turn To Nuts and Seeds. Almonds, walnuts, pecans, cashews, pistachios, etc. are delicious and nutritional powerhouses rich in potassium, fiber, and Vitamin E. Moreover, they’re high in unsaturated fat, which is the healthy kind for the heart. Nuts and seeds are high in calories. So instead of eating them by the handful, try sprinkling them on salads, and eat them as an alternative to other snacks.

3. Always Taste Food First Before Adding Salt. We all love salt; it’s a proven fact. 90% of adult’s intake too much sodium which over time can raise serious health concerns. By tasting your food first, you may find that it tastes just right and you will break your habit of adding unnecessary salt.

4. Eat Five Servings Of Vegetables Per Day. Vegetables are rich in nutrients and calorie sparse ways to fill your plate and fill up. Carrots, celery and cucumbers all make great snacks and one cup equates to one serving. Consume a salad as your appetizer; grill some bell pepper or zucchini to accompany your entre Eating more vegetables and less meat is one of the best ways to improve your diet and your overall health. Aim for at least five every day.

5. Pack Your Lunch When Possible. Eating out is usually not the best healthy choice. Restaurant food is replete with sodium, saturated fat, and calories which makes it less desirable. By packing your lunch, you know you always have a healthy meal. Great tasting whole grain bread with lean cuts of meat, and fruit. Water is also a healthy alternative to soda or tea.