Purchasers generally pin the blame on advertising and the food industry for their bad eating habits and weight issues. All the same, the truth is that you have control over your eating habits, and your own nourishment is your choice and your choice alone. This assertion of itself is encouraging.
This post features some practical tips on tailoring your diet and your lifestyle, so that you can eat in a healthy manner, promoting an overall healthy and balanced lifestyle.
Exactly what is healthy living?
Healthy living is a commitment to adjusting every facet of your life to the degree required to support your individual health ambitions. Quite simply, it’s a holistic, long-term methodology, in conjunction with a positive mental attitude.
It is really not about fad diets or concentrating on a single problem area (such as surplus weight) in isolation. It is only when you start to see the bigger picture (e.g. a well-balanced food plan, regular physical exercise, intake of water, nutrient intake, food allergies, weight, digestive health, metabolic rate etc) that make up your individual lifestyle that you can devise an efficient healthy living programme for you.
Healthy living plan
Everyone’s health living programme is a bit different, determined by their own individual situation, such as starting health level, health problems, weight, flexibility etc and it is usually advisable to talk about any adjustments to your diet or exercise levels with a qualified health practitioner before commencing (especially if you are on medication or are pregnant). Yet, bearing that in mind, there are some broad healthy eating principles which can provide a little guidance in the early phases.
Breakfast
Start your morning off right! Too many of us skip breakfast on a regular basis, but to get your metabolism moving (so that you can use up more calories during the day) and to keep your blood sugar stable (and stop hunger pangs), it is very important not to miss meals. Subject, obviously, to any allergies or intolerances you may have (e.g. to gluten or dairy), opt for a nourishing breakfast of, let’s say, muesli, probiotic yoghurt and fresh organic fruit. Sprinkle with seeds and nuts for an added nutrient boost – linseeds, almonds and sunflower seeds are a great combination. Stay away from high-sugar cereals, which also have a tendency to contain sulfites – harmful additives that can trigger asthma attacks in sensitive people.
If you simply do not have the time for breakfast in the morning, never allow that to hold you back – no excuses! Have breakfast on the go by opting for a top quality, nutrients fortified dairy free and gluten free meal replacement or protein shake.
Lunch and snacks
An effective way to enjoy nourishing meals and snacks effortlessly is to purchase foods that are ready to consume after opening or with minimal preparation. There is really no reason not to eat healthy foods when there are many choices for fast and healthy eating. Some examples are low-fat deli meats, whole grain breads, fresh salads, fruit, nuts and seeds among other things. A number of superfoods and superfruits now come freeze-dried, so that you can stick them in your drawer at work nibble on them as a healthy indulgence every day. For example, goji berries (sometimes called wolfberries). These small berries are filled with nourishing substances, vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals, such as essential and trace minerals, amino acids, polysaccharides, unsaturated fatty acids, carotenoids and quite a few phenols associated with antioxidant activity. What more could you ask for from a snack food?!
Dinner
If you’ve followed the above guidelines, when you reach the evening meal you are very unlikely to be starving, which in turn means that you will be unlikely to binge or indulge in unhealthy snacks.
An excellent nutrition tip is to be more aware of portion size. A balanced diet is not about starving yourself; you should always be full, as you’re giving your body exactly what it needs. Yet, if you have a tendency to eat too much, try to eat little and often. A couple of other tips are:
- increase your water intake – regularly people who don’t drink enough water mistake thirst for hunger. By drinking more and keeping yourself hydrated, it can help you to feel satisfied for longer;
- drink a protein shake or superfood powder – not only can these help to make you feel full when your meal was just not enough, a high quality protein drink or superfoods blend can provide you with additional vitamins, minerals and enzymes.
Benefits of healthy living
Adopting a holistic approach to healthy living, as an alternative to searching for a quick solution for problems such as obesity and digestive disorders, is useful for numerous reasons. For instance, not only will it most likely tackle your specific health goals, it will also support your general health and well-being.
A healthy body, getting the full range of nutrients, is far more likely to have a strong immune system. This consequently makes it less of a challenge to fight common disorders and other conditions, including colds and flu, diarrhoea, constipation – and without having to depend on medicine.
Everyone’s objective is to have as long and happy a life as is possible. Furnished with the facts about your health and nutrition, and with an understanding of how different foods, drinks and chemical substances can impact on your body, you’ll be better placed to accomplish this aim.
Healthy living guide
Having gained some understanding of healthy living, take another step to the new you – click here for a free healthy living plan and suggestions on dietary supplements that can help you to achieve your health goals!