Summer is now upon us, which means that it’s time to shed those extra pounds from the winter months!
While it’s great to look back on the joys of the winter and the fun times with your family and friends, it’s not what you want to be remembering when the temperature is rising and your pants are getting a little tight. So what should you do?
Well, you could head to the kitchen and make yourself a nice casserole or pasta dish, or opt for a grilled chicken sandwich with all the fixings. However, if you’re looking for a healthier option, you’ve come to the right place. Here are some of the best healthy lunch ideas to help you slim down in the summer.
Focus On Fiber
Fiber is an essential part of a healthy diet. It’s a type of carbohydrate that your body cannot digest. However, it is beneficial in reducing your cholesterol and blood sugar levels, as well as making you feel full longer. Instead of having a burger and fries, have a salad with grilled chicken. You’ll feel much more satisfied and will be more likely to opt for a healthier option next time.
Eat More Berries
Berries are naturally low in calories and contain antioxidants, which can help your body protect itself from the damage caused by free radicals. These are unstable molecules that can lead to cell damage and premature aging. However, berries provide a fantastic source of nutrients and can help you to maintain a healthy immune system. So, eat as many berries as you can during the summer! You can also try adding some dried fruit to your oatmeal in the morning, or eat some strawberries with your lunch. Berries are fantastic as a healthy snack on their own, or in a sweet bun with cream cheese for a snack that will satisfy any craving!
Try A Plant-Based Diet
Well, at least temporarily. Going plant-based means cutting out all the meat products, eggs, and dairy from your diet. Instead, you’ll be replacing them with plant-based alternatives. Like many other diet changes, this one is not going to be easy. However, it’s worth it in the end. A plant-based diet has been shown in studies to help with weight loss and reduce the risk of developing diabetes and heart disease. One of the best things about this diet is that it’s easy to prepare. Simply choose a few vegan dishes that you enjoy and that will fill you up.
Add More Greens
Greens are another essential part of a healthy diet. They’re great for keeping your skin looking young and healthy, and they also provide some amazing nutrients. The best thing is that they’re extremely low in calories. A cup of spinach leaves only has 35 calories, while a cup of strawberries has 15 calories. Add greens such as spinach or lettuce to your sandwich instead of the usual bread and cheese, and you’ll be filling up on nutrition while also trimming your waistline. You can also try add avocado to your sandwiches, which is a great source of nutrients as well as calories. Avocados are also great in salads and are a great source of fiber as well as essential nutrients such as vitamin E and potassium. These nutrients help maintain a healthy immune system and good heart health.
Cut Back On The Booze And The Burgers
If you drink too much alcohol, it can cause you to gain weight. It’s a well-established fact that excess alcohol consumption leads to fat accumulation around the waistline. If you drink alcohol frequently, it can also affect your mental health, causing you to make bad choices and gain weight. So, if you want to drink and enjoy your meal, have a beer at the end of the meal. Otherwise, skip the drinks and opt for a fresh fruit juice or a herbal tea instead. If you really want to cut back on the booze, you could try switching to a malt beverage, such as lager or ale. These types of beverages have fewer calories than most other drinks.
As for the burgers and hot dogs, the best way to enjoy them is in smaller quantities. One or two burgers per day should be sufficient for most people. However, if you’re really craving them, you could opt for some chicken or fish fingers, or have a small pizza delivered to work. These kinds of foods are more healthy for you than most other types of food, and that’s why they’re becoming so popular around the world. People are slowly waking up to the fact that processed foods don’t always have to be bad for them.
Try A Few Sweets
Fruits and vegetables don’t contain any calories, so you’ll be helping yourself by consuming them. However, you should only have a small amount of sweets. A single small chocolate bar has only 80 calories, while an apple contains only 45 calories. If you eat too much sugar, it can cause problems for your teeth and lead to cavities. So, indulge yourself by having a chocolate bar or eating a few grapes instead of a pie or doughnut. It’s all about moderation!
Add More Whole Grain Pasta
Whole grain pasta is another great way to go, as long as you’re prepared to indulge yourself. One of the best things about whole grain pasta is that it provides a good source of fiber, as well as vitamins B and E. These nutrients help maintain a healthy immune system, while the fiber keeps your waistline trim. You can add more whole grain pasta to your diet, whether it’s brown rice pasta or another type of pasta. In general, the more the merrier!
Skip The Fries And The Soda
Fries and fast food hamburgers are another popular target for dieters. However, instead of reaching for those foods when you’re feeling hungry, opt for a veggie burger or a grilled chicken sandwich instead. If you want to lose weight, it’s best to avoid eating foods with added sugar. The best diet plan for 2019 is one that focuses on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Those are the foods that your body needs to function properly. When you eat those foods and avoid the ones that are loaded with sugar, you’ll start losing weight naturally. Fries and soda don’t belong in a healthy diet.
More On Fiber
Fiber helps your body in so many ways. It maintains gut health and regularity, as well as provides some amazing nutrients. The most important thing is that it helps to reduce your appetite. So, if you want to eat a healthy, satisfying meal but don’t want to feel hungry, reach for some fiber-rich foods, such as berries or beans. These foods will help satisfy your cravings while also providing you with nutrients that can help maintain a healthy body weight.