Maintaining a healthy eating lifestyle is something we should all strive for, and many really want to, but we at times fall short for no other reason than poor planning. What you put in your body is about 80% of a healthy lifestyle. Let's face it, you just can't out workout a poor eating lifestyle.
However, ACAOF is here to let you know that all things are possible when you're properly prepared, and we are here to help by providing our
Top 10 Tips To Maintain A Healthy Eating Lifestyle!
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The Plate. Downgrade your normal plate to a smaller salad plate size. This way you're ahead of the game with maintaining smaller portions at meal time.
Eat the Rainbow! I can't say this enough, eat more and diverse colorful fruits. Bright reds and yellows, deep greens and purples. Full of fiber, antioxidants, and phytochemicals to help rebuild and renew.
Swap the dairy for a plant based alternative to minimize mucus and the milk sugar, lactose, which can create a diseased environment in the body.
Lean protein is essential, but not just meat and seafood in the leanest forms can be high in this macro. Also consider beans or peas, eggs, nuts, and seeds.
'Go Low' with the sodium. Not just when it comes to seasoning 'to taste'- in which we highly recommend the world famous lower sodium Abstract Spice spice blends, but in the packaging of foods too. Many canned, frozen, and pre-packaged foods are loaded with sodium which is a death wish for your heart and arteries. However, not all these foods are created the same, so be sure to check the sodium content. No more than 2100 mg daily!
Maybe the most important tip in this list- how many servings daily of fruits and veggies? Consider 2 cups of fresh whole fruit & 3+ cups of veggies as your daily multivitamin!
Watch the fat and cholesterol. Key to remember, plants do not contain cholesterol, so plant butter is an awesome swap for the creamy indulgence. Omega 3s/6s are good fats, but remember, they're still fats, so consume carefully and in moderation. And while coconut oil is a dairy-free alternative, it is a saturated fight that is high up there in cholesterol points. Grapeseed and olive oils are awesome replacements to have on hand.
Stop drinking bad health and calories. Pop/Soda is known to have more sugar and calories than the standard candybar. And don't get me started on the cancer-causing artificial sweeteners in the 0 calorie/diet versions. Drink more water! Need flavor? Add natural fruit. Need fizz? Grab the sparkling. No this won't completely make up for the sugary beverages you've become accustomed to, but just like every new thing, give time to adjust. Cleaner taste, cleaner you.
Make carbs pay rent! I tell my clients this when drafting up their custom meal plans. Carbohydrates that pay rent are the ones that actually do work for the good in your body by providing adequate fiber and energy. Rent-free carbohydrates sit inside your body and deplete your energy and health span. Make your food work for you!
**BONUS**
No limit soldiers- just moderation! That's right, you don't have to totally give up your favorite indulgences. Just be mindful to limit your portions and enjoy those treats on special occasions that are few and far between.