Are you ready to find out how to eat healthy for beginners? You’ve come to the right place! If you are a newbie to eating right, adopting a healthy eating routine can be challenging. Many novices give up too soon, thinking that good nutrition is complicated or expensive, when in fact; the reality is quite the opposite. With a nutritious and healthy diet, you can reduce your risk of cancer and heart disease, improve physical performance and boost brain function too. If you’re ready to whip your diet into shape and kick start a healthy eating routine, here are a few tips on how to eat healthy for beginners.
Eat whole foods at least 80% of the time
Whole foods are natural nutrient-dense, low-calorie foods that are unprocessed and don’t contain additives. For instance, fresh supermarket veggies are whole foods. Tinned, processed, sweetened versions of the same veggie are not.
Get comfortable with nutritious food groups
Many novices feel overwhelmed by all the diets thrown at them. The healthiest diet is a simple one. Choose foods from the following food groups/categories. Protein – some people choose meat and fish for protein, but plant-based protein is proving to be a highly nutritious, affordable, and tasty alternative. Think of chickpeas, peas, beans, and lentils. Fats and micronutrients – the healthiest fat sources are nuts and seeds. Add these to a yummy smoothie in the mornings or sprinkle over a salad. Healthy starch – starch is something that tends to confuse people. Most people either don’t eat starch at all or completely overdo it. Have a balanced approach to starch. Choose options that include simple carbs, such as sweet potato.
Have a list of food no-nos
Newbies to healthy-eating often end up with unhealthy food options, in their shopping trolley. Compile a list of food no-nos and dedicate yourself to stick to it. Aim to avoid: Sugary food – while delicious, sugary foods such as soft drinks are a first-class ticket to diabetes and obesity. Refined carbs – carbs are unfortunately yummy and addictive, so can be hard to avoid. You don’t have to cut carbs out of your diet, just opt for simple carbs instead. Say goodbye to white bread overindulgence by adding a portion of whole wheat seed bread and sweet potatoes to your diet instead.
Always stay stocked with healthy food options
A novice’s most common downfall when learning how to eat healthy for beginners is reaching for the pizza or chocolate when peckish or bored. If you have junk food available, cravings will find you and you are going to eat it. By making sure that you have a wealth of fresh fruit, vegetables, and healthy snacks readily available, you will reach for those instead, out of convenience which will soon become a habit.
Don’t forget to hydrate
Water should form the basis of your major fluid intake. Try to drink 6-8 glasses of water a day.
