With the new year approaching, many of us make resolutions to improve our general health and well-being. One of the most popular resolutions is to improve our eating habits. Eating a healthy, balanced diet is essential for maintaining a healthy weight, preventing chronic diseases, and feeling our best.
Here are some tips to help you make healthy eating habits a part of your New Year’s resolution.
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Plan your meals and snacks in advance: Taking the time to plan your meals and snacks for the week can help you make healthier choices and avoid last-minute decisions that may lead to unhealthy options.
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Incorporate more fruits and vegetables: Fruits and vegetables are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can help lower the risk of chronic diseases. Aim to include at least one serving of fruits and vegetables with each meal and snack.
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Limit processed and high-calorie foods: Processed foods are often high in added sodium, unhealthy fats and sugar. You can Instead opt for whole foods like colourful fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
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Stay hydrated: Drinking adequate water is essential for good health. Aim for at least drinking about eight to ten glasses of water a day.
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Take baby steps: Making drastic changes to your diet can be overwhelming and hard to stick to in the long term. Instead of trying to change everything at once, start with small changes and gradually build on them.
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Be mindful when eating: Mindful eating means paying attention to your body’s hunger and fullness cues, eating slowly, and savouring your food. This can help you eat more mindfully and make better food choices.
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Make it fun! Eating healthy doesn’t necessarily have to be boring. Experiment with new recipes and ingredients to make it more exciting.
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Get support: Making changes to your diet can be difficult, and it’s important to have support. Talk to a registered dietitian, a friend or a family member who can help you stay on track