When it comes to the topic of nutrition, many people often think of boring salads that include iceberg lettuce and hothouse tomatoes. Eating healthy does not have to be negative. Exploring nutrition can give you an entirely new outlook on food. Use these tips if you want to learn how to make the most nutritious choices when it comes to your food.
Fill up on vegetables during lunch and dinner versus fatty foods. You can eat over twice as many vegetables while still cutting down your calorie intake. This way, you are full and still under your calories for the day. You can add vegetables to any meal to have a larger meal without increasing the amount of fatty foods.
You should eat breakfast every day so your body has the energy it needs to function. Studies have shown that people feel better and eat less during the day if they start the morning with a good breakfast. Avoid eating highly processed foods. Make sure your breakfast has some protein in it to help you feel satisfied.
When you “study up” on nutrition, be sure to read about more than one approach. There is more than one school of thought, and fashions come and go–even in this supposed “science.” In making a decision on which one to follow, the crucial test is what actually works for you. You may have to put more than one theory to the test before finding the one right for you.
Make sure you eat foods containing vitamin C everyday. Humans are unable to produce or store vitamin C and deficiency can cause soft gums, skin hemorrhages, brittle teeth and nails, slow wound healing, anemia and eventually scurvy. Good sources of vitamin C are citrus fruits like limes, lemons and oranges.
To ensure you are starting your day off right, have some oatmeal for breakfast. The grains in a nice cup of oatmeal will help you fill up and keep you feeling full longer.
If your child is a picky eater, a regular daily routine for meals can help. Give him or her snacks and meals at about the same time of day. Be sure that your child drinks plenty of water between meals instead of milk or juice, and don’t offer treats between meals.
Use cauliflower instead of potatoes. Boil cauliflower in a pot on the stove until very tender. Then, the cauliflower in a mixer or food processor with butter, light sour cream, salt and pepper, and blend until it reaches a smooth texture similar to mashed potatoes. It has far fewer carbohydrates and calories, as well as more nutrients and vitamins.
Consider portion size. Over the years portion sizes have increased greatly, causing us to consume unnecessary calories. People have adapted to eating much bigger portions, and consequently don’t feel fuller as a result. A good way to decrease how much you eat is simply by serving your food on a smaller plate. This deceives you into thinking you are eating just as much as you would on a larger plate. That being said, some portions of food are ok to super size, such as fruits and vegetables!
For snacking “on-the-go” be sure to carry a reusable tote filled with fresh fruit in season and a bottle of home-purified water. By always having a healthful snack and plenty of good drinking water with you, you will avoid the temptation to purchase soft drinks and junk food to satisfy your normal hunger.
In order to eliminate excess fats, use water to cook vegetables rather than oil. Using this technique can result in tasty vegetables. If you absolutely have to use some oil, make sure you use just a little vegetable oil instead of butter or margarine.
When eating at a salad bar, you can make yourself a wonderful nutritious meal. Load up on the dark leafy greens, add some carrots and peppers along with other vegetables that look tasty. Don’t pile on thick creamy dressing, or it won’t be healthy for you to eat at all.
In most cases, simply adding vitamin supplements to your daily regimen is not sufficient to produce the best results. Supplements are just like they sound; they supplement your diet. Limit the amount of vitamins you take each day. Focus on eating healthy food instead.
Make a healthy and nutritious dinner with potatoes. Instead of topping with just sour cream, cheese and bacon, try adding lots of fresh and cooked vegetables. Onions, broccoli, tomatoes are all great choices. You can also add black or pinto beans for an added punch of fiber.
As you can see, eating a balanced, nutritious diet is easy and fun. There is a lot of room for creativity in the world of food, so it is a wonderful way to enhance your quality of life without limiting yourself. These tips are only the beginning to a new, healthier you!