Quick And Easy Methods to Become a Healthier Eater

Many people think that eating nutritious foods is very time consuming, which makes them stick to their old ways of unhealthy eating.  While there is some truth to that, (let’s face it – it’s easier to open a bag of Doritos than washing, cutting and storing celery sticks), there are many simple things you can do to slightly adjust the foods you eat, making your diet much healthier.  And eating healthier on a consistent basis means less body fat, more energy and a happier body and mind.

Here are two quick and easy fixes that will improve your diet tremendously.

1. Whole grain products: This is probably the easiest switch that makes a so-so diet turn into a healthful and nutritious diet. Rather than eating white bread, white pasta, white tortilla shells, white rolls, white rice etc. simply purchase the whole-grain version of these products instead. Whole grains have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease by decreasing cholesterol levels and blood pressure. Whole grains have also been found to reduce the risks of many types of cancer. They may also help regulate blood glucose in people living with diabetes. Other studies have also shown that people who consume more whole grains consistently weigh less than those who consumed less whole grain products. (Note: It is important to check labels carefully when shopping for whole-wheat products. If the label reads, “Enriched Whole Wheat” that means that approximately 60% of the valuable nutrients, have been stripped out of the wheat making it much less beneficial.)

2. Fiber, Fiber, Fiber: You’ve most likely heard that fiber is an important part of a healthy diet, which keeps you regular and feeling good. However, studies have shown that high-fiber foods are more satisfying, making you feel full longer decreasing the amount of food you eat. High-fiber diets also tend to be less “energy dense,” which means they have fewer calories for the same volume of food.

A simple way to increase the amount of fiber in your diet is to choose high fiber breakfast cereals such as All-Bran, Shredded Wheat and Steel-Cut Oatmeal.

Another quick way to make sure you get more fiber is to eat more fruits and veggies, preferably with their skin on. Rather than peeling foods such as apples, peaches, potatoes and cucumbers, wash them well and eat everything – skin and all. (Most of the nutrition in fruits and veggies are found in the skin.)

And last but not least, eat more beans. Beans are bursting with fiber and are easy to add to many dishes. Anytime you make a stew, soup or casserole, you can throw in a can or two of pinto beans, black beans, kidney beans, etc. and reap many wonderful benefits.