It can be difficult to maintain a healthy lifestyle, especially when you are surrounded by temptations. But it doesn’t have to be. Here are some simple ways for building a healthy eating habit with minimal effort:
1. Make Smoothies
Smoothies are great for two reasons. The first is that they give you the opportunity to incorporate lots of healthy ingredients into one drink. Even if you’re not very hungry in the morning, starting your day with a smoothie will make you feel fuller and more energized throughout the day. And second, smoothies are very easy to prepare. You just need to buy a smoothie blender, add some water and the ingredients, and blend. It doesn’t get much simpler than that! There are plenty of recipes for smoothies you can try, for example, try combining some fresh or frozen fruit with a banana, some non-dairy milk, and ground flaxseed. You can also add some cocoa powder, peanut butter, or chia seeds to get some extra nutrients.
2. Plan Your Meals In Advance
Planning your meals in advance is probably the most simple way for building a healthy eating habit. When you have a busy schedule it can be difficult to find time to buy fresh ingredients and prepare healthy food, so we often end up grabbing a meal from a fast-food restaurant. But if you take just one hour every week to plan your meals for the entire week, you will have all the ingredients and recipes ready. It will prevent you from buying unhealthy take-out or junk food when you’re hungry and don’t know what to eat. You should also make all of your meals in one day, instead of preparing them in several sittings. By cooking once a week you will not only save time but groceries as well.
3. Experiment with Healthy Desserts
Healthy desserts are easy to make and use ingredients that are actually good for you! These recipes typically incorporate fruit into the mix which contains antioxidants that help promote your health. For example, try this delicious recipe for baked apples with cinnamon. All you have to do is core the apples, fill them with some raisins or cranberries, and sprinkle them with cinnamon. Then put them in a baking tray and add some water and bake for about twenty minutes. Other great desserts include apple crumble and fruit crisps.
4. Use A Slow Cooker
The convenience of using a slow cooker is a great way to build a healthy eating habit. You can prepare most of your meals using this simple device which will surely save you time and effort. Plus, it is very easy to use so even if you’re new to cooking, you will be able to cook delicious homemade meals for the entire family without any problems! If you don’t have one, you can buy a slow cooker for affordable prices. Try some of these amazing recipes which are all healthy and easy to make: turkey chili with sweet potato, pork chops with apples, or chicken curry.
5. Eat More Veggies
Vegetables are the most important part of a healthy diet. They contain essential nutrients that our bodies need. They are also low in calories which means you can eat a lot of them without worrying about gaining weight. So try to consume at least two servings of veggies every day. Some great ideas for healthy snacks include carrots, cucumbers, radishes, bell peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts. You can also add vegetables to your smoothies or prepare delicious salads to accompany your main dishes.
6. Use Olive Oil Instead of Butter
Olive oil is healthier than butter because it contains monounsaturated fatty acids which can improve cholesterol levels and lower the risk for heart disease. It also contains antioxidants that prevent cell damage and stimulate antioxidants production within the body. So instead of using butter on your bread, bagel, or muffin, try using olive oil. You can also use it instead of butter when cooking or baking. There are different kinds of olive oil, such as organic and extra-virgin olive oil. Try to use the latter because it has a more intense flavor and contains less acidity than other varieties.
7. Eat Whole Grains
Whole grains are an excellent source of fiber and contain many important nutrients that the body needs to function properly. They help you stay full for longer which can prevent overeating and prevent weight gain. Some healthy whole grains you can try include quinoa, brown rice, oatmeal, amaranth, and farro. You can add them to different dishes such as stir-fry, salad, stews, and soups.
8. Eat More Garlic
Garlic has many important nutrients and it can also aid in weight loss. It is rich in manganese, vitamins B6 and C, selenium, phosphorous, calcium, potassium, and copper. It contains antioxidants that help prevent cell damage and stimulate the immune system so you will be able to fight off colds and flu more easily. Garlic can be added to almost any meal such as soups, sauces, salad dressing, sandwiches, and on top of baked potatoes. Consider eating at least one clove of garlic every day.
9. Use Natural Sugar Substitutes
These healthy alternatives are made from natural ingredients so they have fewer calories but the same sweet taste as regular sugar. Some popular options include honey, stevia, and maple syrup. They can be used in a variety of dishes such as baked goods, cereal, yogurt, smoothies, pancakes, and waffles to sweeten your flavor. You can also try sugar-free jams or jellies if you’re looking for something to spread over your toast or bagel. For even more variety, you can always try using stevia. Oobli shows an article on How Much Stevia is Too Much to consume.
This article has provided you with 9 simple ways to build a healthy eating habit without too much effort. Making small changes in your diet can go a long way and help you live healthier, happier lives. Simple ideas such as using olive oil instead of butter for cooking or baking, adding garlic to most meals, substituting natural sugar substitutes for regular sugar when possible, and including more vegetables into your daily diet are easy to implement in your every day routine.
