Setting lofty goals are often not specific enough to achieve long-lasting results. Many people set out to eat more vegetables, stop dining at drive-thru restaurants, and ditch junk food once and for all. Such big commitments are better achieved by breaking them down into smaller, more manageable nutrition choices. For example, instead of cutting out restaurants entirely, try to start packing a lunch more often.
To start your health off right in 2016, try these 5 simple tips.
1. Start off by looking to the rainbow for inspiration. Brightly coloured vegetables, especially leafy greens, are full of vitamins, antioxidants, and fibre. An added bonus is that they are low in calories and leave you feeling fuller for longer. Think beyond iceberg lettuce and try to incorporate a vegetable in every meal. Carrots or zucchini can be shredded into everything from casseroles to muffins. Steamed, roasted, baked… the possibilities are endless.
2. Think about eating your calories, not drinking them. Keep a tally on liquid calories. An extra glass of wine or an afternoon latte can add up unexpectedly. Fluids don’t contribute to the feeling of fullness the same way solid foods do, and you may end up taking in more calories than needed. While a sugary drink every now and then won’t hurt you, try to rehydrate with water.
3. Consider non-meat sources of protein, such as beans, peas, lentils, and chickpeas because they are lower in saturated and trans fats, while also containing more fibre. Choosing alternative sources of protein introduces different nutrients to your diet and can offer up new twists to existing favourite dishes such as pizza, salads, and soups.
4. Cook with confidence. Remember, healthy meals do not have to be extravagant or expensive. As the cook, you control every ingredient that goes in your dish. Like with any new skill, it takes time to truly get the hang of it. So go ahead and embrace the challenge without fussing about whether it will taste good or bad.
5. Finally, remember that treats are treats! Attempting to change your diet overnight is an impossible task. Rather than cutting out the indulgent foods you love, cut out the guilt. Focus on portion size when eating high-calorie foods. Keep these treats as once-
in-a-while indulgences, such as a small dessert when going out with friends.
This year, tackle your intention to change by breaking your goals into small steps. Aim to be 80 percent confident that you’ll be able to achieve them. Small steps can make large differences and make it easier to track successes along the way.
