Eating more healthy has become a way of life for many people. With increased focus on the national obesity rate and the rapid declining health of the population, changing to a healthier lifestyle is essential for optimal quality of life. One way to begin changing your life is to change your diet. What you eat is critical to the state of health of your body. Create well-balanced meals that provide your body with optimum nourishment.
Breakfast
For many people, little thought goes into what to eat for breakfast. Rushing in the morning results in resorting to a fatty sausage biscuit and hash browns at a drive-thru or doughnuts at the office. But much better options can provide energy for the day. Opt for a whole-grain cereal with skim milk and add your favorite berries for sweetness. Oatmeal sweetened with a little honey is an excellent option and is a little more filling. If you have a little time to spare in the morning, an egg white omelet filled with bell peppers, tomatoes, onions, mushrooms and fat-free cheese with a slice of turkey bacon is satisfying and will give you a good amount of fuel to start your day. Orange juice gets your blood sugar going in the morning, but if you need an extra jolt, black coffee or tea with sweetener can get the job done.
Lunch
For lunch, focus on foods that aren't too heavy and give you energy to complete the rest of the day. Bypass fried foods and choose healthier options. A turkey wrap with whole-grain tortilla, lettuce, tomatoes, veggies and light mayo is good paired with fruit salad. Spinach salad with grilled chicken, carrots, cucumbers, strawberries and light balsamic vinaigrette dressing is tasty. A turkey burger topped with red onion, tomato and lettuce on a whole-wheat bun paired with sweet potato fries is a satisfying meal to keep you going. A low-sodium vegetable soup with half of a turkey and Swiss sandwich or a side salad makes a low-calorie, high-protein meal.
Dinner
Dinner is a great time to experiment with different flavors and foods. Enjoy a bowl of whole-grain rotini pasta with tomato sauce and turkey meatballs and a salad full of veggies. Stir-fry is always a great option. Stir-fry chicken, broccoli, onions, carrots and mushrooms in 1 tbsp. of teriyaki sauce and serve over brown rice. Fish is a lighter choice for dinner. The omega-3 fatty acids in salmon help lower cholesterol. Prepare salmon baked, broiled or grilled and brushed with olive oil. Add a baked sweet potato and steamed asparagus to complete the meal. Spice up your evening meal with a little Mexican influence. Try steak fajitas by piling lean flank steak and sautéed red and green peppers, onions and tomatoes in a corn tortilla. Top the fajitas with salsa and sliced avocado and serve with black beans.
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