Tips to Improve Your Diet

Summertime is here, and many of us are hoping to shed some weight before going on holiday. If you’ve tried to lose weight before but haven’t succeeded, it’s time to change the way you’re going about your weight loss goals. Here are some simple tips to help you achieve weight loss naturally and without going on a restrictive diet.

Drink Plenty of Water

Many people mistake thirst for hunger. To avoid eating mindlessly during these long summer days, make sure to keep a water bottle with you at all times. A one-litre water bottle with a handle is easy to take with you everywhere, and you can sip to your heart’s desire. It’s also thought that drinking at least 17 ounces of water can increase your metabolic rate by up to 30%.

Display Healthy Foods

If you want to start eating more fruits or nuts, try placing them in a prominent, easily visible location within your home. If you have a lovely bowl of fresh fruit on your coffee table, you’re more likely to snack on an apple than raiding the pantry for processed snacks.

Eat Less Meat

A healthy diet can absolutely involve small portions of meat, but you should try to reduce your intake of animal protein if you’re used to consuming meat with every meal. These changes can be very small and take place over time. For example, if you usually have eggs and bacon for breakfast, try eating a bowl of oatmeal topped with fresh fruit a few times a week. You don’t have to cut out meat entirely, but eating less, especially red meat, will have a big health benefit.

Try Using the Right Supplements

You have probably heard about a lot of the different supplements on the market. Some people are skeptical that these supplements can work, but the truth is that some of them are very effective. For example, you may want to try one of these gummies to lose weight. You may be surprised by how well they work.

Keep a Diary

If your biggest downfall when it comes to eating healthfully is going overboard with snacks, keeping a food diary might be a great way for you to stay motivated and accountable. You can use a notebook, the notes section on your phone, or go out and purchase a dedicated food diary. It doesn’t matter what you use, as long as you’re able to write down what you’re eating each day. At the end of each day, or even each week, go back and take a look at what you’ve eaten. Having it all laid out before you can assist you in finding your problem areas.

Find Healthy Alternatives

If you eat a lean turkey sandwich every day but you can’t give up the mayo, try looking for an alternative. Hampton Creek makes a delicious eggless mayo that tastes as great as the original without the unhealthy calories and cholesterol. In addition to mayo, they also make healthier alternatives to salad dressing and cookie dough. If any of these foods are your weakness, try the healthier versions and see if they’ll become a staple in your life to help you cut calories.

Stay Away From Frying

Instead of eating fried foods, try grilling, baking, or broiling your foods instead. Foods prepared in healthier ways still taste great, but you’ll avoid the unhealthy oil and fat that comes with fried foods.

Use Smaller Plates

Bigger plates often lead to overeating, as people tend to fill up the plate entirely. Portion control can be difficult to master, but using a small plate can help you feel like you’re eating a large amount of food. When you use smaller plates and bowls, you’ll be getting the appropriate amount of food, while still feeling satisfied.

Indulge Occasionally

Many people who start on a diet are terrified of going back to their old ways, and they adopt a rigid system that’s hard to maintain for the long-term. Remember that it’s okay to enjoy your favourite foods once in a while, and don’t go overboard restricting yourself. There’s room for any food in a healthy diet, as long as you continue your good habits for the majority of the time.

Conclusion

If you’re ready to clean up your diet in order to tackle your weight loss goals, now is the perfect time to change your lifestyle. Make sure to keep a big bottle of water with you to encourage plenty of hydration, seek out healthy alternatives for high-calorie foods like mayo and dressing, and try to slowly reduce your intake of animal protein. Also, remember to treat yourself to whatever food you’re craving every so often to avoid feeling burnt out from eating clean most of the week. Before you know it, you’ll be well on your way to reaching your goals.