How do you know if your diet is healthy?
First, you can take a look at the USDA's Food Guide Pyramid to figure out if you're getting the recommended number of servings of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, protein, and dairy.
Next is to figure out how many calories you need each day. You can use a men’s or a women’s calorie calculator to get an estimate for your specific daily calorie needs.
Compare your diet to the USDA's recommended diet to identify any changes which can be made that will benefit you. If you feel you are overweight; rather than trying a well known diet that might not be safe, try making small changes in what you eat and get more exercise.
If you usually skip breakfast, don’t. Make it your goal to eat something every morning. Skipping breakfast can actually slow your metabolism down.
If you do realize you need to lose some weight, here are some easy ways to cut at least a hundred or more calories each day. This will help you get back on track toward your fitness goal.
- Eat smaller meals 5 or 6 times throughout the day, in addition to speeding up your metabolism, you will keep your blood sugar stable.
- Keep track of what you're eating to avoid mindless munching that can pack on the calories.
- Be aware of emotional eating or nibbling out of boredom. Find out what triggers this type of eating and keep yourself busy during those urges to munch.
- Stay hydrated. That feeling you think is hunger, may be your body telling you it's thirsty.
- Eat lots of fruits and veggies. Fiber helps you feel full and your body will thank you for the vitamins and minerals.
