Maintaining a healthy diet is important not just to avoid weight gain but also to ensure the health of your body. By filling your diet with nutritious options, you can keep yourself feeling great and perhaps even give yourself a little energy boost. Eating a healthy diet does not have to be a challenge. As you pick the foods to fill your plate, consider some simple modifications you can make to increase the healthiness of your diet.
Hydrate Yourself
While water may not be as tasty as some other beverages, it is the best option for the weight conscious. Not only does drinking water keep you hydrated, which is important for overall health, but it also can fill you up, making it easier for you to avoid the temptation to overeat.
Pack in the Proteins
Proteins will keep you full longer, reports WebMD. Filling your diet with lean proteins is a simple way to stave off hunger and give your body the nutrients necessary to function properly. Protein consumption is particularly important if you are in the midst of an exercise program, as the added energy can assist you in keeping up with your physical activity efforts.
Snack on Fruits and Veggies
Instead of giving up all between-meal snacks all, replace your normal snacks with fruit and vegetable alternatives. By giving up the practice of snacking as a whole, you may lead yourself to overeat at meal time, as you may be ravenous when you sit down to the table. If you feel hungry between meals, snack on some baby carrots or apple slices. These options will take the edge off your hunger without derailing your diet.
Head Out for Splurges
Instead of keeping some of your favorite splurges in the house, head out for these occasional treats. By visiting the ice cream parlor instead of keeping ice cream in your home freezer, you decrease the likelihood that you will be tempted to break your diet. If you actually have to leave the house to partake in more fattening foods, you may be less likely to do so.
Eat Your Favorites… In Moderation
If you try to give up your favorite foods in the interest of health, you will likely fail. Instead of vowing never to let a french fry pass your lips again, allow yourself a few, but only on occasion. Make a deal with yourself. Allow yourself to have a small quantity of your favorite junk food once or twice a month. By making this deal, you can avoid feeling guilty when you do partake.
