10 Tips to Healthy Eating

by Stephanie Nickel

When I was training at the gym, one of my clients (a lady a little older than myself) asked why eating vegetables was important. That question made me realize just how much people don’t understand about healthy eating.

Let me say from the get-go that I am not religious about this issue. I admit I love cheesecake and caramel macchiatos (and lots of other not-good-for-me foods). That said, there are still some things most of us can do to eat better.

Personally, I am more concerned about attaining—and maintaining—a healthy weight and body fat percentage. I am not interested in fitting into a Size 6 (getting back into a 9/10 would be fine by me, though). While I would love to have defined muscles, it is much more difficult for women to do so (and we do need a higher body fat percentage than men).

Please note that if you have a specific goal or eating restrictions, these tips may not be right for you.

1. I will not stop drinking my calories, but I will cut back, add more water and non-caffeinated herbal teas. (I did pretty much eliminate pop some time ago and don’t miss it.)

2. I will not stop eating processed food, but again, I will cut back. Not only is it healthier to prepare food from scratch, I get a definite sense of satisfaction from doing so.

3. As certain fruits and veggies come into season, I will buy and consume more of them. I love the smell of freshly cut produce. We have a farmers’ market in town. I really should start shopping there on Saturday mornings when it opens.

4. I have begun to walk past the baked goods and bread products more often, but I will treat myself from time to time.

5. As much as I enjoy the taste of charbroiled meats, there have been warnings out there about eating them for some time. We, therefore, have a gas barbeque.

6. There is the misconception that healthy foods don’t taste as good as unhealthy ones. I find this simply isn’t true. Plus, eating healthy foods not only has the benefit of being better for me it gives me a psychological lift, knowing I’ve made a good choice.

7. And if you like to eat, like I do, you can consume more fresh whole food without feeling as weighed down. (But don’t be fooled, you can overeat healthy foods as well.)

8. I still remember my mom’s deep fried salmon fritters (and the apple ones too). I remember her fried chicken and homemade French fries as well. As much as I wouldn’t mind sitting down to a treat like that again, we don’t own a deep fryer. (I have been wondering about purchasing a fryer that uses very little fat, but I’d like to hear what those who own them think of it before I do.)

9. I have a tendency to try new recipes in spurts and starts. It’s when I slip back into the same old/same old habit that I grab what’s easiest. I would like to try two to three new recipes each week and prep a shopping list for a week at a time. If the ingredients are in the house and I know ahead of time what I plan to prepare, I’m less likely to continue in my not-so-great routine.

10. One thing I have curtailed is eating for the sake of eating. It is so easy to plop in front of the TV with a snack even when I’m not hungry. I feel good about not doing that so often anymore.

How about you? What will you do this week to improve your eating habits?

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You can consume more fresh whole food without feeling as weighed down. (tweet this)

Steph Beth Nickel is an author, a freelance editor and writer, a labour doula, and a former personal trainer. She’d love to connect with you on Facebook or Twitter, on her website or blog..