Six Easy Ways to Add Healthy, Whole Foods to Your Diet

The dietary changes you’re making should not feel restrictive, overwhelming or hard to live with.

Most Americans have grown up on processed foods; I know I sure did! If eating healthier seems like a big change for you, take it one step at time. Pick 1 or 2 changes to make now, and once those are in place, pick 1 or 2 more. This is the best way to make healthy changes a part of your lifestyle, and something you can easily live with, long term.

Transitioning to a healthier way of eating may seem daunting so here are some tips to keep in mind:

1. Eat vegetables at most meals. Think salads, side dishes, soups, or even adding veggies to your sandwich or wrap.

2. When you are having a craving for something sweet, opt for a serving of fruit to satisfy your craving. Be sure to keep your favorite fruits in the house.

3. When you eat meat, it’s best to choose organic, grass fed, and hormone-free so you get the maximum nutrients possible without the harmful pesticides residue, antibiotics, hormones, etc.

4. Fill your fridge and pantry with healthy food choices that are ready to eat and go. Snacks like nuts, seeds, or fruit are good for ‘grab and go’.

5. Heading out for a few hours? Grab a healthy snack or meal to take with you. Eating healthy foods on a regular basis will help you avoid unhealthy choices. Example: Make up some of your own trail mix (avoid ready made trail mix as most of them have hydrogenated oils and other undesirable, processed ingredients) or bring a small cooler to keep in the car.

6. Most importantly, don’t be too rigid. Making small changes over time will make a huge difference and it makes the changes easier to stick to.

8 Tips for Better Portion Control

Portion control doesn’t have to mean deprivation.

1. Focus on eating whole foods including protein, healthy fats and vegetables, until you are satiated (that feeling where you are about 80% full). Don't deprive yourself since this always backfires, causing you to eat more food later in the day. Most processed foods have chemical additives that make it difficult for us to have just one serving size.

2. If portion control is more of an issue when you go out to eat, have a healthy snack before you leave so the bread or chip basket is less tempting (or ask that the waiter not bring the rolls or chips to your table). Plan on taking part of your meal home for leftovers since most restaurants give you huge portions. You can even ask for an extra plate and put ½ the meal on that plate and pack the rest up to take home for left overs.

3. Include healthy fats in your diet. This will help you feel satiated longer (and allow your body to absorb the fat soluble vitamins your body needs). Ideas include: avocado, nuts, seeds, olive oil, coconut oil, grass fed butter and ghee. Have a salad! You’ll feel full longer and absorb more nutrients if you add some fresh avocado or a dressing that includes healthy fat, like olive oil.

4. Using smaller plates can be helpful. When you put food on a large plate you almost automatically want to try to fill it up and then feel like you need to finish it all. By using smaller plates (and bowls) you may find that you eat less but still feel comfortably full.

5. Don’t skip meals. This is one of the biggest mistakes people make, and it can sabotage the best efforts. Start your day with breakfast (preferably including some protein which will help you feel full longer) and plan ahead for lunch. It’s also a good idea to bring a healthy snack with you to get you through the afternoon before dinner. Portion control is very difficult when you’re starving!

6. When snacking, place the snack on a plate (or bowl) rather than eating right out of the bag or container. This is a huge help so you’re more aware of how much you are eating and you can better manage your portions this way.

7. If you’re out at dinner and you feel like having dessert, just plan ahead. Order a smaller dinner (or healthy appetizers) and skip the alcohol, and enjoy a little dessert. It’s all about moderation and choices. Don’t feel like you ‘can’t have it’; just decide what you would enjoy more and make the choice… and enjoy.

8. Slow down. By slowing down and enjoying our food more, you end up eating less. Remember to chew each bite more, relax and enjoy!