The things we eat make a massive difference to our health and quality of life. A poor diet can not only contribute to common health conditions like cancer, heart disease and diabetes, but it can also lead to lowered energy and mood, lack of concentration and fatigue.

Whether you already have a reasonably healthy diet and want to improve or have realised that your current diet is not sustainable, there are simple changes that will make a massive difference. Healthy eating doesn’t mean you can’t eat your favourite junk foods anymore, though anything high in processed fats or added sugar, and you should enjoy other less healthy options in moderation.

Eat More Fibre

Fibre is a critical part of any diet and is what helps us feel full for longer. It’s found in various foods, including potatoes (particularly the skin), seeds, nuts, fruit and vegetables. You can easily incorporate more fibre into your diet by snacking on fruit and nuts throughout the day or adding beans and nuts into meals as a side dish or crunchy addition.

 

 

Cut Back On Added Sugar

Things you might not expect contain added sugar, including household staples like jarred pasta sauce, yoghurt, dipping sauces like ketchup and BBQ, and cereal bars. It is best to check the label on any food you buy to identify how much added sugar it contains.

In addition to savoury foods with added sugar, there are candy, chocolate, cake and other sweet treats that can hold substantial quantities of sugar. These should be enjoyed in moderation and should not make up a regular or large part of your diet.

 

 

Stop Eating When You Feel Full

One of the most common issues with eating that people have is failing to stop when they feel full. There is a common ‘clean plate’ mentality that means that people feel compelled to finish the food on their plate and continue to eat after they are full. You can overcome this issue by portioning smaller meals or saving leftovers, so you feel less guilt over wasting food. Investing in smaller plates and bowls can also help with healthy portion control.

Start The Day With A Protein-Rich Breakfast

Protein is an essential part of our diets, and with breakfast being the most important meal of the day, combining the two options can be invaluable. Eating a filling and healthy breakfast helps keep you fuller for longer, reducing the urge to snack and aiding in weight loss. For an idea of how to get even more sources of protein into your diet, check out the excellent information from SUSTAGEN.

 

 

 

 

Snack On Fruit And Veg

Snacking can be a major contributor to unhealthy eating practices. When we’re hungry throughout the day, it can be tempting to reach for the nearest bag of chips or a chocolate bar. These are unhealthy and not particularly filling, so you will end up getting hungry again sooner.

 

 

Choosing a healthy snack like fruit and veg can be an excellent and tasty alternative. Consider slicing up a fruit salad to pick at throughout the day or chop up some carrots to eat with hummus as a healthy, filling snack.

Stay Hydrated

A lot of the time, when we think we’re hungry, we might actually be thirsty instead. Staying hydrated is critical for many of the body’s crucial functions, and dehydration can lead to many unpleasant side effects like nausea, fatigue, dizziness and confusion. It is best to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day, with water being the best way to combat dehydration.

Tea is also a good option, though coffee is best to avoid due to the high caffeine levels. It is also best to avoid drinking alcohol, and when you do indulge, ensure you drink plenty of water between alcoholic drinks. You should also have multiple alcohol-free days throughout the week and keep your intake within recommended limits.

 

 

Switch Frying For Baking Or Roasting

The way we cook our food can also make a big difference in how healthy it is. Frying in oil is one of the most unhealthy ways to cook, so you could consider switching this out for baking or roasting food instead. You could also invest in low-fat oil or a healthy alternative if you still want to fry your food, but it is still best to do so in moderation.

Try Out A Multi-Vitamin

If you’re concerned that you’re not getting enough of the crucial vitamins and nutrients in your diet, taking a multi-vitamin can be an excellent way to help. This should not be used as an alternative to a healthy balanced diet but can be a good way to complement a well-rounded diet.

 

There are plenty of excellent multi-vitamin options out there. If you’re unsure about the best to choose, it is a good idea to consult your pharmacist, who will be able to advise on the best option based on your health background and any medications you take.