Making your diet healthier doesn’t need to be a drastic lifestyle change. There are many simple and cost-effective ways you can improve your diet.
Switching to whole grain, drinking more water, and eating eggs in the morning are just a few examples. Here are eight ways to improve your diet.
Related: 7 Healthy Fitness Recipes Which Are Super Easy to Make
#1 – Drink lots of water
One great way to stay healthy is losing a bit of weight by drinking more water. Drinking water can also help you maintain your lower, healthier weight and increase the amount of calories your body burns in a day. Another benefit to drinking water is that it fills up your stomach and makes you feel less hungry.
“If you drink a glass of water before a meal you are less likely to overeat. Try and drink more water instead of beverages such as soda and juice to reduce your calorie intake,” writes Caroline Barnett, fitness trainer at BritStudent and Australia2Write.
#2 – Have fruit and veggies for your side
It’s pretty common for people to order fries as their side when they go out to eat, but there are healthier options. Next time why not try ordering some fresh fruit or vegetables with your meal? You’ll receive a good dose of antioxidants along with a lot less calories and fat.
#3 – Take omega 3 and vitamin D
Vitamin D is important to maintaining healthy bones and a properly functioning immune system. It’s not found in very many foods, so the best way to make sure you’re getting enough is by taking a supplement. Almost half of the population of the United States is not getting enough vitamin D.
Another nutrient most diets are lacking in is omega 3. Omega 3 is important to keep your heart and brain healthy, as well as reducing inflammation. If you like seafood, you can get both these nutrients from that, otherwise consider taking a vitamin d/omega 3 combined supplement daily.
#4 – Eggs for breakfast
Eggs are a very healthy way to start your day. Eating them for breakfast will leave you feeling fuller, meaning you will eat less during the day, which is good for maintaining a healthy weight. Eggs are also a source of essential nutrients, such as choline, which many people are deprived of.
#5 – Eat whole grain products
You can improve your diet by simply swapping out refined grain bread for whole wheat bread. This switch will benefit you by lowering your risk of diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Look carefully at the bag before you buy, to make sure it’s 100% whole grain and not a mixture of refined and whole grain.
“Whole grain bread is a great source of nutrients such as zinc, iron, magnesium, and B vitamins. It’s also a good way to get more fiber in your diet,” recommends Ronald Oyama, blogger at WriteMyX and NextCoursework.
Related: 10 Delicious Detox Smoothie Recipes
#6 – Skip the steak and have fish
Just about everyone loves a good steak, but they are loaded with calories and cholesterol. Instead, why not choose some nice broiled or grilled fish when you’re eating at a restaurant? You’ll get plenty of healthy omega 3 nutrients and drastically less unsaturated fat.
#7 – Eat your fruit
Most people know that fruit juices tend to be loaded up with sugar and are a poor substitute for the real thing. But even if they are made from real fruit and low on sugar, you’re still much better off eating your fruits. If you just drink the juice, you are missing out on a whole lot of fibre and chewing resistance that biting into a piece of fruit provides.
#8 – Get more sleep
Believe it or not, the amount of sleep you get can have a big impact on your weight. When you don’t get enough sleep, it can throw your body’s appetite regulation out of whack, and that often means you feel hungry more often.
Not only that, but glucose metabolism, immune system function, and even concentration can suffer when you don’t catch enough zees.
Final say on dieting tips
There’s no need to completely revamp your diet. These drastic changes in diet are difficult, stressful, and tend not to stick anyway. You’re much better off making simple, yet beneficial, adjustments to your meals. Follow these eight easy tips to improve your diet.