Time To Eat!....But What Should I Eat?

Most people struggle when it comes to how to eat healthfully. There are so many different diets out (most of which contradict each other). Which one is the right one? Does losing weight mean I have to starve myself? Or eat a bunch of foods I don’t enjoy? The answer is there is no one right diet. Different things work for different people. Eating healthy also doesn’t mean starving yourself or never being able to enjoy food. There are some basic things to think about when sitting down to a meal that can help you on your way to a healthy diet. Following the tips below will get you going on the right track.

1. Slow down – if you are in the habit of eating quickly just slow down a little; eating slower gives your stomach time to send the signal to your brain that you have had enough. Stop eating when you are satisfied not full.

2. Do you have protein on your plate? – men should eat about 2 palm size portions of protein at each meal and women should have 1 palm size portion with each meal. Lean meats such as chicken, fish, lean cuts of steak or pork are all good options. Choose baked, grilled or broiled options.

3. Do you have veggies on your plate? – Make your plate colorful. The size of your fist is one portion of vegetables and you should get a couple of portions in at each meal. Prepare them in a way you enjoy and include more than one color. Variety helps you get more of the vitamins you need.

4. Do you have carbs on your plate? – If you are trying to lose weight and haven’t just finished exercising, eat less carbs and up your veggies. If you are at a good weight or just worked out, a cupped handful of starchy carbs for women, or 2 cupped handfuls of starchy carbs for men is fine. Choose carbs that are more natural (such as potatoes or whole grains) instead of highly processed breads or pastas.

5. Do you have fats on your plate? – Fats are not the enemy and should be included in your meals. The types of fats make all the difference. Women should have about 1 thumb size portion of fat in their meals and men should have about 2 thumb size portions. Get your fats from whole food sources like eggs, meat, olives, avacados, and nuts and seeds.

Being more aware of what and how you are eating and thinking about these tips will help you eat for better health. Happy dining!