Eating healthy doesn't have to be boring
Eating healthy can be a daunting task for some. In today's fast-paced culture, nutrition often takes a back seat to convenience. If you find a recipe you like, stick with it but make substitutions to keep it interesting. Incorporating foods that you love is important, otherwise you won't be able to stick to your diet for any length of time. Eat smaller meals five to six times a day instead of three big ones.
Breakfast
Try oatmeal with a serving of fruit or nuts. A small, whole wheat bagel with reduced fat cream cheese and a piece of fruit is another great option. Whole grain toast with peanut or almond butter and a serving of reduced fat yogurt is an easy, delicious way to start the day. All these meals are balanced and pay strict attention to portion control. Feel free to have coffee or tea if it is part of your normal routine.
Mid-Morning Snack
While you're at work, it can be difficult to make it all the way through the morning until lunchtime. A serving of nuts, dried fruit or a granola bar is a great way to keep you focused and healthy.
Lunch
You can still eat your favorite lunchtime sandwich with a few simple changes. Opt for whole grain bread instead of white. Choose mustard instead of mayonnaise and poultry instead of pork. You can keep the cheese if it suits you and feel free to pile on as many vegetables as you like. Salads are often seen as boring unfulfilling meals, but you can make this lunchtime staple your own. Start with a base of mixed greens and add your favorite vegetables. You'll need some protein to stay full so add cubed chicken, nuts and cheese to your salad. Throw in some reduced-fat dressing, pita bread and you've got a healthy filling lunch.
Mid-Afternoon Snack
Late afternoon can be the most difficult part of the day to get through when trying to eat healthy. Vending machines, sugary sodas and greasy chips are waiting around every corner. Instead, eat a serving of multi-grain crackers with peanut butter or cheese. The complex carbohydrates and protein will give you just the energy you need to make it until dinner.
Dinner
One-dish meals are a great option for easy healthy dinners. Try a brown rice stir fry with chicken, shrimp or tofu. Add any of the vegetables you like and cook in olive oil, which contains healthy fats. Add some low-sodium soy sauce and brown sugar for flavor. Another option is cooked whole wheat ziti with tomato sauce, vegetables and ground turkey or chicken sausage. Sprinkle with some Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
Dessert
Allow yourself some breathing room. If you remove all of your guilty pleasures at once, you're more likely to break all the rules in one go. So after dinner, have a piece of dark chocolate or a cookie. Match it with a few strawberries and you'll go to bed happy, healthy and satisfied.
Tags: Eating healthy, great option, vegetables like, whole wheat, with peanut, your favorite
