Are you excited to cook and enjoy healthier meals but unsure where to start? It’s completely understandable, especially when our society is completely overwhelmed with diet plans (and trust me, not all diets are healthy). With just a few easy-to-follow guidelines, enjoying healthy meals that you’ve cooked yourself is easy!
1. Become a Master Meal Prepper: Set aside time each week for meal preparation. This practice can be a game-changer. Meal prepping helps you make healthier choices even when life gets so busy you don’t know if you’re coming or going. Don’t forget the snacks, either- having healthy snacks on hand makes it so much easier to pass on the ‘fluff’ snacks.
2. Learn to Love Whole Foods: Fill your plate with colorful fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and nuts. These foods aren’t only nourishing- they can energize! Choosing to eat whole foods, rather than foods loaded with pesticides, seems more expensive, but the true value of these whole foods is undeniable when it comes to your health.
3. Switch it up with Herbs and Spices: Think about exploring the world of fresh herbs and spices! They can enhance flavors in a wonderful way, allowing you to enjoy satisfying meals without relying on extra salt or sugar, all while benefiting your health.
4. Practice Portion Control: Portion control can be difficult, especially when many manufacturers deliberately make it more difficult to understand their portion sizing- so, be gentle with yourself when it comes to portion sizes! Using smaller plates, eating more slowly, and tuning into your body’s hunger cues can help you enjoy your meals fully without the stress of overeating.
5. Choose Healthy Cooking Techniques: Opt for methods like steaming, grilling, or baking. I get it- sometimes fried chicken hits the spot. And, you know what? That is OKAY. What isn’t okay? When every meal is fried. Choose healthy cooking methods 80-90% of the time, and enjoyfried foods – just not as often as before.
By focusing on these steps, you’ll be able to create vibrant dishes that foster a healthy relationship with food and support your journey toward well-being!