Eating Healthy for the New Year
It is almost 2018, which means that the time for change is rightaround the corner. After the holidays, it is possible that you would like to make better choices, this article will provide you with 8 tips for eating healthier in the New Year!
8 tips for eating healthier in the New Year:
1. Eat breakfast: It is easy to lose track and not make time for breakfast. However, breakfast is important because it can keep you full until lunchtime and can give you a boost of energy in themorning. 2. Eat more vegetables: Vegetables contain important nutrients that help us stay healthy. Some simple ways to eat more veggies are to incorporate your favorite vegetables into pastas, casseroles, pizza, sandwiches, or salads. Try eating vegetables raw as a snack, bake or steam them as a side to a meal, or putthem in smoothies. 3. Drink more water: Hydration is key even in the colder weather when we may not feel as thirsty. Water is a healthy, nocalorie alternative to soda, alcohol, and other sugar-sweetened beverages.
4. Portion control: Portion control is important because it helps to keep calorie and nutrient intake in check. 5. Eat less meat: If you are someone who eats meat frequently, it may be fun to try alternative proteins such as tofu, eggs, or beans instead. Meat alternatives are part of a healthy diet and can potentially reduce your risk of preventable diseases like heart dis- ease. 6.Experiment with whole grains: For your next meal, try swapping white rice for brown rice, white bread for whole wheat bread, white pasta for whole wheat pasta, or sugar-sweetened cereals for oatmeal. By choosing whole grains, you are also increasing your fiber intake which can help keep you full longer. 7. Cook more at home:
If you do not have enough time on your hands, chances are you pick up fast food or spend money eating out weekly. Instead, try prepping meals ahead of time or look for recipes that require less than 30 minutes to make. By cooking at home, you have more control over what ingredients you use and you can monitor added sodium or sugar if needed.
8. Stock up on healthy snacks: You are less likely to reach for unhealthy snacks when you have healthy snacks in your fridge or cupboard. Healthy snacks could include dried unsweetened fruit, low fat string cheese, whole grain crackers, salsa, nuts, vegetable sticks, hummus, hard boiled eggs, and more.
By making simple, healthy changes to what you eat and drink, you can have a positive impact on your health. Keep things interesting by trying something new every few weeks and report to family members and friends to stay motivated! For more information, visit Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics website www.eatright.organd/or call them at (800) 877-1600.
-Grace Talbot, a dietetic student at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay completing her internship to become a Registered Dietitian.