Shifting your focus from what to cut back on to what you can add when it comes to creating a healthy diet can make it possible for you to stick to making a healthy switch. We have put together a list of things to get you started and help you maintain a healthy way of eating.
Before we start
The following are general tips on how you can get started with healthy eating and should not be taken as medical advice. We encourage you to speak to a dietician or a nutritionist who will assist you in creating a diet that will be tailored towards your health goals and medical needs.
Start eating the five food groups
A healthy and balanced diet consists of going back to the basics by including the five food groups in your diet. Yes, this means having these every day but sticking to normal portions instead of having an excess of one food group. The group consists of:
Consuming these in their natural form instead of processed foods can make for a healthy diet that can be beneficial for you. Make sure that you stay hydrated by mixing your intake of water and fruit that are rich in liquids.
Enjoy the range of vegetables on offer
Sticking to seasonal vegetables can be an affordable option for anyone looking to refresh their diet. Vegetables doesn't mean you have to stick to salads, instead, play around with the options that are available to you such as including more leafy greens, red or orange vegetables, vegetables with starch, beans for protein, pumpkin and other vegetables that taste amazing when roasted or baked. Remember to steam your vegetables instead of boiling them as boiling leaves most of the nutrients in the water while steaming locks them in.
Avoid the drastic overhaul
Making the change to a healthy lifestyle that is easy to maintain is possible through small changes. A common mistake is to make a 360 degree flip the next day with your diet where you decide that you will only eat vegetables and boiled meat, which can be a shock to your system and increases the chances of you returning to an unhealthy diet. Instead, gradually introduce the five groups. Opt for a healthy version of things you crave instead of denying yourself.
Eat your fruits and juice your greens
The recommended amount of fruit and vegetable intake a day is two servings or 192g a day. Furthermore, it is recommended that you eat your fruit instead of drinking them as it maintains the water, fibre, vitamins, and antioxidants that fruit is rich in and can be beneficial for your health. If you are struggling to eat vegetables, you can also consider juicing your vegetables which still maintain the nutrients.
Choose home cooked meals
The difference that home-cooked meals can make when it comes to saving money and improving your health is undeniable. With less refined or processed products in your system, it is one of the easiest switches anyone can make to improve their diet. However, it also means choosing healthy home-cooked meals. There are plenty of healthy meals that you can prepare at home that do not taste like torture to your taste buds, but will leave you feeling full and good.
