6 Ways to Change Your Eating Habits

We all want to eat healthier, but what does that entail? With new diet fads popping up every week, it’s easy to lose sight of the basics. Here are six simple ways to improve your eating habits and eat healthier.

1. Eat More Fiber

Fiber is an essential nutrient for overall health. It’s necessary for maintaining regular bowel movements, aids digestion, keeps the bacteria in our gut healthy and populated, and helps us feel full for longer. Fiber is excellent for healthy weight loss. Fiber-rich foods include nuts, seeds, beans, legumes, vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.

2. Drink More Water

Water is necessary for life - we all know this, but many of us still aren’t drinking enough! You should drink at least eight glasses of water a day, and more if you are exercising or sweating more than usual. Water aids digestion, keeps our cells hydrated, helps maintain good blood pressure, and plenty more.

3. Switch to Heart-Healthy Fats

Saturated fats found in red meat, dairy, and processed foods increase blood pressure and cholesterol levels, potentially leading to heart disease. Instead, incorporate more unsaturated fats into your diet. Unsaturated fats have protective effects on heart health and help us feel full for longer. Foods containing unsaturated fats include olive oil, flax seeds, avocado, fatty fish such as salmon, and chia seeds.

4. Eat Slower

We know it’s hard to resist inhaling that delicious meal, but eating quickly often leads to overeating and weight gain. The brain needs time to process and send the signal that you’re full. Take your time eating and try to enjoy your meal. Not only will it help with overeating, but it’ll also help you become more mindful of your food.

5. Reduce Your Sodium Intake

Sodium is hard to avoid - it’s in sauces, seasonings, cured meats, and processed foods. However, sodium increases blood pressure and can increase the risk of heart disease over time. Season your food with other herbs and spices and squeeze a bit of lime juice for that salty taste without increasing sodium intake.

6. Be Mindful of Portion Sizes

Portion sizes are tricky to stick to, but there are ways that you can become more mindful of them. Never eat straight from the pot, serve up your meal on a smaller plate, and eat slower so you can understand your hunger cues.