Bella Magazine November 2013 | Page 44

better life HOW TO switch to a good food Making small, gradual changes to your eating habits can have a big impact on becoming a more nutritious you. Plan your meals Aside from the money-saving benefits of planning your meals ahead of time, having a list in hand during your trip to the grocery store will reduce the temptation of buying that box of powdered donuts or random bags of processed food. As a result, your pantry will be filled with food that has been well thought out for specific meals, reducing the likelihood of having chips for dinner. Mix up your grains Always eat breakfast It’s easy to get in the habit of waking up too late to eat or drink your breakfast (yes, you, coffee addicts!). Eggs, a banana, oatmeal, or yogurt are quick, yet nutritious options to jump start your metabolism each morning. If you aren’t sure about the idea of switching to whole grains like brown rice or whole wheat pasta, try mixing what you normally eat with a small amount of whole grain. You can then gradually increase the amount of whole grain until you can’t tell the difference! Drink more water Snack smart Trade packaged cookies and crackers for more nutritious options that will better curb your appetite. Nuts with dried berries, air-popped popcorn, yogurt, non-fat chocolate milk, fruits, and veggies are great snack choices. If you are unsure about snacking on raw veggies, try adding low calorie ranch or hummus for more flavor. Soft drinks are full of hidden calories - save your calories for food! Cutting out just one soft drink per day can make a huge difference! If you can’t live without your morning latte or your lunchtime caffeine pick-me-up, choose to drink water every evening with your dinner. Try adding lemons or limes to make water more flavorful. Moderation is everything Deprivation can lead to overeating. Allow yourself to have dessert on Friday nights. Have one glass of red wine on Saturday night. Eating clean during the week and allowing yourself an indulgence every now and then at the weekend is a great plan to create a healthy eating habit you can stick to. 43