Eating healthy can be fun if you take the time to make smart choices. Eat plenty of whole-grains, cereals, fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats, nuts, seeds and beans to ensure your body gets the nutrition it needs. Whenever possible, avoid unhealthy, processed foods and opt for healthier alternatives instead.
Breakfast Can Be Fun
Carbohydrates provide much of the energy we use throughout the day. That's why it's so important to have a healthy breakfast. Typical healthy sources of carbohydrates include fruits, vegetables and whole-grain breads and cereals. If you want to have some fun with breakfast, try substituting some healthy sources of carbohydrates for unhealthy foods. For example, instead of sugary cereal, have some oatmeal, and add raisins or dried cranberries for flavor. Don't drink soda or flavored water with your breakfast. Instead, try a big glass of freshly squeezed juice.
The Key Is Control
Many people think that eating healthy requires you to give up your favorite foods entirely, but the key to a balanced, healthy diet is control, not avoidance. So long as you limit your overall intake of such unhealthy foods as ice cream and deep-fried foods, eating fun foods now and again isn't going to hurt you. In fact, rewarding yourself occasionally is a good thing. If you don't, you increase the chances that you one day will abandon your healthy diet entirely because you are bored with it or tired of fighting cravings.
Drink a Smoothie
Fruit smoothies are good sources of vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients, provided they contain fruit purée, yogurt, fruit juice or milk. Due to their convenience and portability, smoothies make great snacks between meals and for people on the go. If you're watching your calories, order a smaller size, and avoid smoothies that contain large amounts of sugar.
Healthy and Fun Dining
Some people worry that going out to restaurants will be less fun if they're on a healthy diet. But by substituting foods prepared in a healthy manner for unhealthy menu items, you can eat healthy and still have fun on your night out. Order the meal you want but ask for the kitchen to cook it differently. For example, ask for your vegetables to be steamed instead of sautéed in butter. If the restaurant can't do this for some reason, ask the kitchen to serve you a half-sized portion, or ask for a container with your meal. Put half your food in the container and enjoy the rest later. Be sure to tip the staff for the extra work.
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