Feature Image by Brooke Lark
With so many fitness blogs, Instagram accounts, and YouTube channels, it’s hard to know who to trust when it comes to healthy eating (and that’s not even taking doctors into consideration!).
The amount of “healthy eating” information out there can seem overwhelming at times. So in an attempt to simplify things, here are six eating habits health nuts swear by.
Always eat breakfast
Getting a meal in first thing in the morning is definitely harder than it sounds (trust us, we know). The precious 30 minutes of sleep might seem like the better deal, but getting up a few minutes early to whip up a simple meal is better for you in the long run. Not only will it give you a boost in energy, but it also reduces the cravings you have later in the day, making it easier to stay away from naughty foods. If you really can’t be bothered cooking, try something simple like oatmeal with fruit or yogurt and granola.
Drink lots (and lots) of water
We know you’ve heard this a thousand times before, but that’s because it really is that important. Staying hydrated will help your body function properly, and it can even improve your complexion. Drink a full cup as soon as you wake up to get your metabolism going. If you find water boring, go ahead and add some fruit or lemon to it.
Plan your meals
We know what you’re thinking, but don’t worry — you don’t have to full-on meal prep. Instead, plan out what healthy meals you’re going to eat throughout the week. Write down some healthy snacks before heading to your local grocery store, so you’re less tempted to reach for the chips. This will help limit yourself to only purchase items that are on your list, thus helping you cut back on waste.
Limit processed foods and check the label
Though this might sound obvious, it’s really important to limit how much processed foods you eat. But if you really can’t resist, before you throw the box of crackers or pouch of cookies into your cart, check the ingredients list. Anything in a box is never going to be better for you than whole food, but it’s still a good habit to check the label (you’d be surprised at just how many ingredients are in there that you can’t even pronounce!)
Skip late night snacks
There might not be a whole lot of truth to the “don’t eat after 6 p.m.” rule, but you should still try to limit what you eat after dinner. Try to eat a filling dinner so you’re less inclined to snack later in the night. If you want something while you watch the latest episode of Riverdale, try drinking some herbal tea instead.
Don’t deprive yourself
That’s right — if you want that cookie, go for it (even if it’s not your cheat day). If you’re too restrictive, chances are, you’ll end up binging and feeling much worse than you would have if you’d just eaten that cookie. Just be mindful of what you’re putting into your body so you don’t overindulge.
xx, The FabFitFun Team
