Want to improve your diet and eat healthier? From cutting back on sugar to keeping a food log, there are plenty of things you can do to get in shape this summer. It all comes down to the choices you make every day. Before you give into temptation, try these simple tips for healthier summer eating:
Keep a Food Log
Writing down everything you eat in a day makes it easier to stick to your diet and track the calories consumed. It’s also a good way to monitor your progress and identify bad eating habits. You can even start a blog to share your journey with other dieters.
Watch Your Portions
Healthy eating is the first step to weight loss. However, you still need to track your portions. Many “clean” foods, such as nuts, seeds, and olive oil, are high in calories. If you eat too much, you’ll end up gaining weight. Be mindful of portion sizes to slim down and build healthy eating habits.
Indulge in Moderation
Just because you want to lose weight it doesn’t mean you have to cut out sweets entirely. This will only cause frustration and increase your chances of binge eating. You should find a way to fit your favorite treats into your diet. A few pieces of dark chocolate, a single slice of cake, or a serving of dried fruit won’t do any harm.
Get Enough Protein
Make sure your diet is high in protein. This nutrient keeps you full, accelerates metabolism, and preserves lean mass. Additionally, high-protein foods, such as beef, poultry, eggs, and cottage cheese, are low in calories and keep hunger at bay.
Choose Nutrient-Dense Foods
For long term weight loss, choose nutrient dense foods that fill you up and fuel your body with protein, complex carbs, and healthy fats. For instance, romaine lettuce is filling and tastes great, but has little nutritional value. Chicken, on the other hand, packs a lot of protein and minerals.
