5 SIMPLE Strategies to Cleaner Eating
Figuring out how to "eat better" may seem like a daunting task …
It’s estimated that we see over 26,000 ads each year, with over 20% of those being food related.
So already it’s an uphill battle. But then the other issue is that most are of the mindset that it’s all or nothing … you’re either "on" or "off."
The thought is that if you’re not eating grilled fish and steamed vegetables, whole grains, 100% organic foods, and so on, every single meal you can’t be successful.
But the fact of the matter is every single positive step taken is a "win" and will get your closer to your goals than doing nothing will.
That being said, here are 5 simple eating better strategies:
- Drink less calories. What does "less" mean — it’s all relative. Cut whatever you drink now in half. Normally have 1 – 20 oz bottle of soda each day and 2 bottles of a sports drink? Have just 10oz of soda and just 1 sports drink. Is that perfect? Nope. Is staying where you are less perfect. Absolutely. Small steps go a long way.
- Add 1 more vegetable to your diet every single day. Most struggle to eat any veggies all day; don’t worry about hitting the "minimum recommended" just eat 1 more every single day this week and build from there.
- Cook 1 more meal per week than you do now. Just one. You have more control when you eat out, so the more you can eat at home, the better.
- Replace 1 snack each day with raw nuts, like pistachios, almonds, or walnuts. Replace is the key — not add — nuts may help with weight loss and are clearly better than most of the packaged calorie, sugar, and salt bombs in "pretty" packaging
- When you are out to eat, choose something smaller — what does this mean? Split an entree with someone or order an appetizer instead of a meal.
Pick 1, just 1, new strategy and start this week. Continue with that same positive eating strategy next week and add 1 more. Over time, all the new positive habits will replace less healthy ones and you’ll be on your way to permanent success!
July 13th, 2010 at 6:57 am
Dr. Mohrs,
Do you have anothr suggestion to raw nuts. My wife has a major food resistance to any nuts and will break out into hives, headaches and even a fever if she has them?
Thanks
[Reply]
Chris and Kara Mohr Reply:
July 13th, 2010 at 10:18 am
Any snack that provides some protein with some healthy fat — try the chick pea recipe that is coming up in a blog later this week!
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July 14th, 2010 at 6:45 am
Will do.Thanks!
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