Now that we are a month into the New Year I am sure you have found some ideas that have worked for you and some that have derailed you on your quest for a healthier lifestyle. These are wonderful lessons if you let them be just that, lessons. When you look back on what you have tried so far take a moment to point out what is working for you and what’s not working for you. Try your best to discard what’s not working so you can focus more on what is working. I tend to believe there are 5 solid habits that work for everyone when applied consistently. These five habits look easy, and for the most part are, but can also prove to be very difficult at times. But once you find your groove, you will be so thankful you kept you up with them! I have written about these habits before, but they are always worth repeating!
The first habit is eating slowly. What does eating slowly look like? It is sitting a table with no distractions focusing on what you’re eating. Putting your utensil down after each bite, fully chewing each bite before swallowing. It’s allowing yourself enough time to check in with yourself to see just how hungry or full you are after a few bites. It is a key habit to helping you recognize when you are satisfied with the amount of food you have eaten, which when you first start this habit ends up being less food.
Our second habit is preparing lean protein with each meal. Lean protein helps us to feel fuller longer, more satisfied between meals, which helps you consume less food. Lean protein helps build and repair tissues in our bodies, supports a healthy immune system, and boosts our metabolism.
Habit number three, eat at least five servings of vegetables a day. The more color the better!! Getting colorful veggies in your diet helps boost your immunity and lower inflammation in your body. Getting more vegetables in also keeps things moving in the right direction!
Habit four, make smart carbohydrate choices. What are “smart” carbs? Smart carbs are minimally processed whole foods that are higher in fiber, full of vitamins, minerals and other phytonutrients. All of these are considered smart carbs, whole grains such as brown rice, quinoa, oats…etc., beans, sweet and regular potatoes, fruit can be a smart carb choice especially when you are craving something sweet!
Our final habit, healthy fats! Including healthy fats in your daily meals can help keep your hormones healthy, your brain happy, decrease inflammation and your body chemistry working as it should. Simply choosing naturally occurring fats from whole foods such as nuts, seeds, avocados, olives, butter, fatty fish, etc. is the easiest way to add healthy fats into your diet.