The perfect home cook should have a variety of dishes to offer their family and friends. However, sometimes life gets in the way and you find yourself unable to make the most of your kitchen. When this happens, it’s time to resort to pre-made meals or packaged food.
Fortunately, there are other options. You can make healthy food that has the same effect as the fast food you crave. Make the right choices when you’re planning your diet and you’ll start shedding those unwanted pounds. Here are 10 macros to help you get there.
1. Focus On Fresh Ingredients
When you crave something sweet, most likely you’re not getting the nutrients your body needs. The best way to regulate your sugar cravings is to pay more attention to the foods you’re eating. The fresh fruits and vegetables that are available throughout the year are the perfect way to go. Choose apples, strawberries, or any fruit/vegetable that is in season, and you’ll be able to satisfy your sweet tooth without worrying about the toll it might take on your waistline. Seasonal produce is bursting with flavor, so you’ll wish you could eat it all year round. However, there is always the option of adding more sugar to your diet, which would make up for the lack of nutrition.
2. Cut Back On The Booze And Take More Water
Alcoholic beverages are high in calories and contain absolutely no nutrition. If you’re looking to shed some pounds, it’s best to avoid them altogether, or cut back significantly. This is not to say that you should never drink again, as long as you are mindful of what you consume and how much. If you do end up drinking, then you should make sure that it is low-calorie content beverages that are filled with nutrition. Otherwise, you’ll end up consuming more calories than you need. If you want to drink and be healthy, then opt for the flavored waters that are available in the market. These waters are rich in antioxidants and other nutrients that help purify the blood and fight off diseases. So if you want to be healthier, then drink more of these waters instead of regular soda.
3. Watch Out For Unhealthy Food Choices
If someone tries to sell you food that is high in fat or sugar, then it’s best to walk away. These foods are the root of most of the obesity and diabetes problems that plague our society. It’s no secret that fast food restaurants and junk food are highly sought-after commodities, so much so that they end up being manufactured even during times of food shortage. When you crave junk food, it might be because your body is trying to tell you that you’re not eating healthy food choices. The best thing you can do for your body is to eat cleaner foods that provide your cells with all the necessary nutrients they need to function properly. If you keep giving your body poor quality food, you might end up with a medical problem down the road. So keep your eyes open and choose food that is good for you when you want something sweet, saucy, or salty.
4. Consider An Energy Booster
If you find that you’re not having enough energy when you wake up in the morning, then it’s time to consider adding an energy booster to your regimen. Natural energy boosters are highly beneficial because they allow you to maximize the energy you get from the food you’re eating. Green tea is a great example of an energy booster; it contains caffeine and theanine, two chemicals that give you a quick boost. Sometimes it’s just the mental challenge of making the right choices that allows you to shed the pounds. If you’re still looking for that extra boost, then consider trying a sport that you enjoy. The physical activity will help burn calories and give you that extra boost of energy.
5. Cut Back On The Fatty Meats
The phrase ‘healthy fat’ can be a source of disagreement for those trying to adhere to a low-carb diet. The truth is that there is no such thing as unhealthy fat, just as there is no such thing as healthy sugar. In reality, the body needs fats for many functions, and it is quite healthy for you to have some around. The difference is that you should be choosing healthier fats that will not cause you harm. When you cut back on the fat in your diet, you will automatically begin to see some of the benefits, as your body will start to function at its best. Start by cutting back on the fatty meats and opting for leaner cuts of meat instead, such as chicken and fish. If you want to lose some weight, then you should look into taking a fish oil supplement, as many scientific studies have proven that this particular supplement burns calories and helps with weight loss.
6. Watch Out For Processed Foods
The majority of the foods that you find in a grocery store are highly processed. When you eat these foods, you are not giving your body the nutrients it needs in sufficient quantities. Many people say that they feel better when they cut back on the processed foods, as they feel like their body is not getting the nutrients it needs to function properly. The simple answer is that you should be supplementing your diet with the nutrients that the processed food lacks. If you’re looking for a one-stop-shop for all your vitamin and nutrient needs, then opt for a multi-vitamin supplement, as these will provide you with the necessary vitamins and minerals in sufficient amounts. If you want to avoid the processed foods completely, then you should look into making your own meals at home, as this will allow you to have more control over what you are putting into your body.
7. Choose A Variety Of Produce
The healthiest way to eat is normally by making a wide variety of choices in your diet. When you keep offering your body a variety of foods, instead of opting for just one or two options, you allow your body to function at its optimum capacity and provide it with the nutrients it needs for optimum health. Make a conscious effort to vary the types of produce that you eat, as this will help increase the nutrients and vitamins in your diet, making you healthier. For example, if you want to eat something sweet, then opt for apples instead of pears or oranges, as the latter two contain more sugar. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables will promote good dental hygiene, as the acids in the food help protect your teeth from decay. Furthermore, the vegetables contain nutrients that are essential for the proper growth and maintenance of healthy teeth. In addition to this, make sure to chew your food thoroughly, as this aids in digestion and helps release nutrients into the body quicker. Some scientific studies even show that chewing food can make you feel fuller, which makes it easier to skip meals or take fewer bites than usual. This can help you lose weight effectively, as you will not be eating quite as much as you normally do, given that you feel satisfied with fewer bites. As a general rule of thumb, the healthier the food choice, the fewer calories it contains. When you opt for unsalted nuts instead of salted nuts, you reduce the sodium you intake by 23%. It’s amazing what a difference this can make!
8. Cut Back On The Booze And Take More Water
Alcoholic beverages are high in calories and contain absolutely no nutrition. If you’re looking to lose weight, it’s best to avoid them altogether, or cut back significantly. This is not to say that you should never drink again, as long as you are mindful of what you consume and how much. If you do end up drinking, then you should make sure that it is low-calorie content beverages that are filled with nutrition. Otherwise, you’ll end up consuming more calories than you need. If you want to drink and be healthy, then opt for the flavored waters that are available in the market. These waters are rich in antioxidants and other nutrients that help purify the blood and fight off diseases. So if you want to be healthier, then drink more of these waters instead of regular soda.
9. Consider An Energy Booster
If you find that you’re not having enough energy when you wake up in the morning, then it’s time to consider adding an energy booster to your regimen. Natural energy boosters are highly beneficial because they allow you to maximize the energy you get from the food you’re eating. Green tea is a great example of an energy booster; it contains caffeine and theanine, two chemicals that give you a quick boost. Sometimes it’s just the mental challenge of making the right choices that allows you to shed the pounds. If you’re still looking for that extra boost of energy, then consider trying a sport that you enjoy. The physical activity will help burn calories and give you that extra boost of energy.