Every year, millions of people resolve to eat healthier and get fit. However, according to Time Magazine, these resolutions are often broken. Completely changing your diet can be tough, so a good idea is to get a head start and work on your resolution before the clock strikes midnight. Here are a few of the best tips to start eating healthier in preparation for 2017.
Focus on Whole Grains
According to the President's Council on Fitness, Sports, & Nutrition, the typical American diet is lacking in whole grains, but exceeds recommended amounts for refined grains. Refined grains are things like white bread, white rice, and sugary cereals. Whole grains, on the other hand, are things like whole grain bread and oatmeal.
Whole grain products contain the whole grain kernel, which contains lots of fiber and iron. These products will take longer for the body to digest, leaving you fuller and less likely to reach for unhealthy snacks throughout the day. Try using whole grain bread for sandwiches or adding some brown rice as a side for your dinner.
Add in Fruits and Vegetables
The average American diet is greatly lacking in consumption of fruits and vegetables, which means that people are probably not getting enough of certain vitamins and minerals necessary for the body to function. Not only do fruits and vegetables contain important nutrients, they also are low in calories and can fill you up without causing you to gain weight.
If you're struggling to get your fill of these foods, try one of these smoothie recipes.Get Educated
One of the most important keys to eating healthy is being educated about proper nutrition. Not all sources, however, are accurate. Make sure you're reading up using websites or books that are reliable and accurate. The FDA's Food Facts website is one of my personal favorite resources, with information about anything you may want to know regarding nutrition and food safety.
MyPlate, a program that's part of the USDA, is also a fantastic place to learn about how much of each food group you should be consuming, and what types of foods are the healthiest. It's also a very interactive resource, which makes it really fun to use.
Practice Moderation
The most important thing to remember when trying to change your diet is that it's still okay to enjoy your favorite foods. While I personally eat very healthy, I try to have one "fun food" every day. Some of my favorites include Reese's cups, dark chocolate, or cupcakes.
Depriving yourself of your favorite foods can lead to bingeing later, so make sure to treat yourself every once in a while so that you can maintain your new healthy lifestyle.