When you decide to start eating healthier, it can be overwhelming to completely change your diet all at once. But if you start making little tweaks to the way you eat it can have a big impact. Here are some healthy swaps you can make that will make a big difference in your health.
- Drinking more water - Most of us don’t drink enough, but we should because according to one study, staying hydrated can improve mood, boost energy levels and help you focus.
- Eat a side salad - Ideally, we should be eating half a plate’s worth of veggies at most meals, but that doesn’t always happen, so a small salad is a good substitute. Include colorful vegetables since they contain nutrients, antioxidants, and fiber to keep you full, slow glucose absorption and promote gut health.
- Sprinkle on seeds - Hemp, chia, and flax seeds all add fiber, protein, and omega-3s.
- Snack on nuts - Almonds are a super nutritious snack you can keep in your bag for a healthy snack on the run.
- Ditch the sugary drinks - Cutting back on sugar is one of the best things you can do for your health. That means giving up sodas, juices, sweet tea, and your afternoon frappuccino, which all probably contain more sugar than you should have in a day.
- Add protein to your breakfast - The more protein you eat in the morning, the more satisfied you feel all day - which means less snacking.
- Use olive oil instead of butter - The unsaturated plant-based fat in olive oil is good for heart health.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream - They taste a lot alike, but Greek yogurt has more nutrients, including protein and vitamin D.
- Swap out refined grains for whole grains - So swap white rice for brown rice, eat whole wheat pasta instead of white pasta, and whole grain bread instead of white bread.
- Stay away from processed foods - Food that comes in a box tends to have more sugar, chemicals, additives, chemicals.