It’s that time of year again when you need to be in tip-top shape and ready to take on the challenges of the coming season. It’s also a time to set goals and make decisions about how you’re going to achieve them by getting products for health and wellness at Beautifully Healthy.
This is when you should revisit your eating habits, too. If you’re like most Americans, you’re probably not getting all the nutrition you need from your food. You may be eating a lot of refined carbohydrates, which are linked to obesity and type 2 diabetes. You may also be eating more calories than you need, especially if you’re not taking in enough protein.
It’s easy to fall into the trap of relying on processed foods, but they don’t make us feel as good as we think they do. Instead, try these five tips for eating healthy and getting in shape this fall:
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Eat breakfast
Eating breakfast is an easy way for you to start the day on the right track, so make sure it’s one of your first things to do each morning. Research has shown that people who eat breakfast are more likely to maintain a healthy weight and exercise regularly than people who skip it or eat other meals during the day. For instance, research by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that nearly 80 percent of American adults don’t consume enough fruits and vegetables on a daily basis; only half of those said they ate breakfast every day.
But if you’re used to skipping breakfast or getting up late, try switching your habits in September — or even better, at the end of summer so you have time to adjust before it gets dark early in the evening.
Plan your meals for the week
It takes a bit of planning, but the payoff is well worth it. This way you’ll always have healthy options on hand and won’t be tempted to order out or grab junk food at the office.
Shop for fresh ingredients once a week
Buy produce that’s in season and lean protein like fish, poultry, and grass-fed beef. A tip is to shop at local farmer’s markets or even better, grow your own herbs and vegetables in your kitchen using a kit like Back to The Roots!
Make sure you have healthy snacks around
Fruits and veggies are great options, as well as nuts or seeds, which will fill you up without adding too many calories to your diet.
Ditch the junk food
There’s no need for fatty, sugary foods when you’re trying to lose weight. Simply cutting back on fried foods, chips, sweets, and other unhealthy options will help you feel fuller while still making a dent in your waistline. Fruits and vegetables are packed with vitamins and minerals that help keep your body healthy and keep you from getting bored of what you eat. It’s also easier to get these items into your diet without having to make major changes to your current diet than it is to try a new diet altogether.
Plan ahead
If you know that a particular evening is going to be hectic, plan your meal in advance so you don’t end up eating out or resorting to fast food. A slow cooker can be a lifesaver for busy evenings! It’s also a good idea to plan a workout routine for each week. If possible, schedule exercise like an appointment so that it becomes part of your routine as opposed to something optional or random.
Alternate cardio with strength training. If you’re trying to lose weight, there’s no better way than alternating cardio workouts with strength training exercises. Cardio helps burn calories while strength training burns fat. If you’re doing both of these regularly, the results will show themselves quickly on the scale!
Don’t Overdo It at The Buffet Table
All-you-can-eat buffets are not only detrimental to your pocketbook, but also to your waistline. One way to avoid overeating at these buffets is by filling up on healthy food items first. Eat plenty of vegetables and lean proteins before moving onto the unhealthier options. This will help keep you full and satisfy your taste buds for less calories overall.
