Eating healthy--this doesn't have to equate to gaining unwanted weight. As long as you make wise choices about the foods and beverages you're taking in, you can make changes to your diet, begin eating healthier foods and maintain your weight. You can enjoy pasta, bread and a hearty steak as long as you do so in moderation. Go ahead and have that beer or glass of wine. Just limit how much you drink. Desserts--yes, you can have those as well. Just remember that moderation is key.
Step 1
Identify your healthy eating goals. These include adding more fruits and vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains to your diet as well as reducing the amount of fatty and sugary foods you eat. You don't have to totally deprive yourself of the foods you love to eat--just eat them in moderation.
Step 2
Simplify your dietary choices and begin choosing healthy foods based on color and freshness. Start making these choices on your next trip to the supermarket. Buy differently colored fresh vegetables and fruits, such as zucchini, red and yellow bell peppers, eggplant, broccoli, spinach, sweet potatoes, radishes, tomatoes and different varieties of lettuce.
Step 3
Look for new recipes that use only a few fresh ingredients instead of processed ingredients.
Step 4
Make one change to your dietary habits at a time. Switch from using butter or margarine to using olive oil, or incorporate brightly colored salads at dinner time, then add new changes as the older changes become a part of your routine. Start serving and eating smaller portions.
Step 5
Drink more water especially when you think you're hungry. When you're not sure whether you're truly hungry, water helps to fill you up so you don't reach for a high-calorie snack. Start cutting back on the amount of soda you drink--it contains empty calories and sugar that only add to your weight and waistline.
Tips and Warnings
- Use smaller plates at home. When you're eating out, ask for your food to be served on a smaller plate, and take the leftovers home. Be sure to eat breakfast so that you don't cave in to hunger at lunch. A glass of two percent milk and a slice of toast with peanut butter can help start your breakfast habit.
Things You'll Need
- Copy of the Food Pyramid
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