subject: Simple changes for a healthier diet [print this page] Simple changes for a healthier diet Simple changes for a healthier diet
The Western world is getting fatter. Fact. As health problems linked to rising rates of obesity reach epidemic proportions it's time to do something about our eating habits. Eating less isn't necessarily the solution but instead enjoying a balanced diet jam packed with plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables and natural fibres. Introducing more of these foods into your diet is also really simple; especially if you follow a healthy eating meal plan.
Breakfast: It's more than an old wives tale that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. In fact, enjoying a nutritious and filling breakfast will set you up for the rest of your day; making sure you have plenty of energy whether at work, rest or play. An ideal breakfast would be a cereal sprinkled with freshly chopped fruit. Cereals such as porridge oats or muesli releases energy slowly throughout the day to keep you going for longer whilst fresh fruit contributes to your recommended daily dose of vitamins and minerals.
Lunch: By midday it's likely you'll be beginning to feel peckish so continue your health eating into the rest of the day with a light yet filling lunch. Lunch time favourites such as sandwiches can easily be adjusted to become healthier. For example, swap white bread for a brown, wholemeal alternative and choose fillings like chicken breast, ham or salad instead of high fat red meat or greasy cheese. Furthermore, soups can be an option that's low on calories but big on taste which means you never have to scrimp on your enjoyment of foods when choosing a healthier option.
Afternoon snack: Everyone gets hungry towards the latter half of the day and its important not to deny yourself food if you're peckish. Many people's healthy eating regimes fall down when it comes to snacking since the lure of the fast food shop or office vending machine becomes the ideal quick fix to sugar dips that in turn are just the ticket for putting on weight and over dosing on fatty foods. Instead, be prepared to feel hungry and have plenty of options like nuts, seeds, fruit and low fat yoghurt to hand. Since fruit is high in naturally occurring sugars there's nothing to stop you snacking on berries, bananas and other fruit bowl favourites.
Dinner: After a hard day at university, work or school nobody likes to come home and start slaving over the stove. Turning to microwave meals and ready made sauces might seem like a simple solution but these foods are often laden in fat and additives which aren't great for a healthy diet. Instead, leave out red meats in favour of grilled white meats and where and when you can avoid frying foods in oil; opting for boiling, grilling and steaming instead. If you're someone who prefers a smaller dinner you may wish to indulge on the natural goodness of oats in the form of oatcakes which can be layered with delicious toppings such as ham and cucumber, salmon and cream cheese or ever pate and salad.
It's never been easier to reap the benefits of a healthy diet, so what's stopping you today?
