Are you focusing on your health or wanting to become a healthy weight this year? This article will tell you seven of the most important healthy eating habits that can help you fuel your body in the best way possible, setting you up for success in those goals.
Eating healthy can sound like a chore and simply about the foods that you are consuming. However, it’s more about the healthy eating habits that you form, which can improve your relationship with food and help you develop a healthy lifestyle.
There are barriers to creating healthy eating habits in our society, such as convenience food. They are marketed as easier foods to consume in a fast-paced lifestyle, and diet foods are created to make it seem like you are eating nutritious foods in a weight loss journey.
Neither of these are sustainable ways to ensure healthy lifestyle habits in the long term. To have optimal health, it is recommended to eat whole foods and form healthy habits that you can continue. Below you will find seven habits that will help you fuel your body best.
7. Include healthy fats in your diet − fats are vital for healthy living
Diets on the market tell you not to eat fats. However, they are vital to sustaining healthy eating habits. There are tons of foods that have healthy fats that your body needs.
For example, peanuts, avocados, and salmon are all foods that contain healthy fats that will keep you satisfied for longer and keep your blood sugar levels stabilised. Remember to include these healthy fats in your meals.
6. Drink some water when you’re hungry − you might just be thirsty
One of the easiest healthy eating habits is this one. Sometimes when we think we are hungry, we are usually just thirsty. When you think you need a meal, have a glass of water because it will determine whether you’re hungry or not.
Also, drinking a glass of water before a meal might help you to eat less overall and help ease the digestion of food.
5. Eat more fibre-rich staples − try incorporating the Ethiopian diet
The Ethiopian diet is high in fibre and considered one of the healthiest eating habits because fibre-rich foods can help prevent diabetes and weight gain and reduce cholesterol.
Ethiopian diets can consist of stews made with lentils or split peas that are high in fibre and vitamins creating a hearty meal that will keep you fuller for longer.
4. Do not skip breakfast − health-conscious people always eat their breakfast
They say that skipping breakfast is not recommended. Skipping meals will slow your metabolism, which could bring you health issues if regularly repeated. We need the fuel at the start of the day to set us up with the energy we need to do daily tasks.
We, therefore, need a proper breakfast to start the day right. You can have a healthy breakfast with sources of lean protein or eat some fibre-rich foods; as long as you are fueling your body properly in the morning.
Avoid sugary breakfast cereal because this can spike blood sugar levels and cause many health conditions over time or exceed consumption.
3. Increase your protein sources − try to have some protein with each meal
Getting the right amount of protein a day is vital. It will help fill you up for longer, give you fewer food cravings between your meals and have added sleep benefits.
Calculate your protein needs depending on your weight, as each person’s grams of protein needs will be different. Ensure you include some lean protein with every meal and snack.
2. Cook at home − and try your hand at healthy meal prep
You can save money, eat healthier and reduce the number of times you eat out, whether it be at a restaurant or takeaway service.
When you decide to cook at home using your own ingredients, you can control what is added to your meal. You’ll probably read the food label more when shopping for ingredients to ensure they are healthy and safe to use in your meals.
It’s also a great time to try meal planning and preparing your meals for the week, ensuring that it becomes one of your healthy eating habits that stick.
1. Increase your portions of fruit and veggies − eat the rainbow
There are many health benefits to consuming a lot more plants in your diet. Filling your body full of nutrients from a variety of fruits and vegetables will have an impact on how you feel, improving your physical and mental well-being.
This is because our bodies need nutrients to function properly so we can live our lives and have an adequate sleep.
Other notable mentions
Enjoy your food: Put your fork, knife, or spoon down between bites and ensure you take longer chews to truly break down your food and enjoy the meal.
Sit when you eat a meal: Sitting down while you eat your meal actually helps with the digestion of food better, which will reduce bloating and stomach cramps.
Read the food labels when you are shopping: This one can help you build a healthy habit. When reading the ingredient list to see what is added can make you more aware of what you buy and consume.
FAQs about healthy eating habits
What foods should you eat regularly?
You should eat whole foods, sources of proteins such as a portion of fish and servings of fruit and vegetables regularly.
What are 5 examples of healthy foods?
Fatty fish, fresh fish, citrus fruits, portions of fruits such as strawberries and grains such as brown rice.
What are some tips for eating healthy?
Try to reduce the number of processed foods you are consuming and incorporate more whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, legumes and lean proteins.
Ensure you have a good night routine to avoid inadequate sleep; a restful night is important for healthy habits.
Exercise regularly; this ensures you can burn calories from the food consumed and helps keep your body healthy.