Top tips to healthy eating

It seems to be a general problem that many of us tend to overeat at Christmas, despite good intentions not to. Come January we are then wondering just how to get back to a healthy eating regime and try and shift a few extra pounds.
Here are some tips to a healthier way to eat that may just help you get back on track:

Fill your plate with Vegetables
Vegetables, especially the bright coloured and dark green leafy ones, are loaded with vitamins and antioxidants. They are also high in fibre and hence very filling. In addition, they are low in calories and when you fill up on veggies, you are less likely to feel the urge to binge on desserts later on.

Snack on Fruits
When you feel like snacking, pick up a fruit instead of crisps or cookies. Similar to vegetables, fruits are high in antioxidants & fibre and low in calories. To make it more nutritiously balanced, have a low-fat yogurt served as a dip. This way you will also get some calcium as well as protein, which helps you feel full longer.

Drink Water instead
Drinking water instead of juice, coffee or other drinks saves calories. Fizzy drinks – even the no sugar ones, are just carbonated water with artificial sweeteners and caffeine anyway. Carrying a bottle of water with you will encourage you to sip it instead of reaching for sweetened beverages.

Look for other meat alternatives
Instead of reaching for your favourite steak, try other high protein alternatives such as fish, seafood, tofu or quorn or even nuts. These protein alternatives are usually low in saturated fat, soy is loaded with beneficial soy protein and fish contains omega 3 fatty acids - all are much more heart-health friendly.

Eat Breakfast
Many people often skip breakfast, either because they are too rushed or as a way of controlling weight. However, studies have shown that people who eat breakfast regularly are actually more easily able to control their weight than those who skip breakfast. Often skipping a meal results in increasing your total calorie intake for the day because your metabolism has not been kick-started in the morning. Eating more frequently throughout the course of the day is the best way to eat.

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