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9 simple diet tips to help you eat healthier this year

What, when and how you eat are all key

January is synonymous with health resolutions, weight loss plans and healthier diets, but everything is forgotten by mid-month. Are these promises to ourselves really that difficult to keep? Step back and review the commitments you made to yourself, so you have a better chance of successfully standing by them. Instead of hating all your bad food habits and trying to be a ‘new you', let's talk about simple diet tips to actually help you eat healthier this year.

Plan your day

No matter how busy you are and no matter what you do, you will have a general idea of your coming day. Spend a few minutes planning all your meals for the next day so you won't be caught off guard or have skip meals because you didn't plan ahead.

Keep healthy snacks handy

Sometimes, we eat unhealthy only because the wrong food is easily accessible. Keep a small snack that you enjoy at hand; one that is not too messy to carry in your bag—nuts, makhana, chana or a fruit all work. You will automatically reduce the urge to binge on a junk snack if you have better food at hand.

Drink water all the time

Visiting someone? Entering a meeting? Have that glass of water they offer you. People often mistake thirst for hunger. Don't wait to be so dehydrated that you give in to the urge and overeat.

Eat every two-three hours

If you are constantly running on an empty stomach, you are going to experience sugar crashes that will impair your judgement and food choices. Eating often doesn't mean you eat full meals. Just a couple of dates or a few slices of fruit or even a cup of green tea should suffice.

Stick to home-cooked meals

You cannot control the amount and the kind of ingredients used when you eat outside. The oil used or the salt or sugar content could be a lot more than you would use while cooking at home. As often as possible, eat food that is cooked at home so that you can control exactly what goes into it. That alone will make a difference.

Eat fewer processed foods

As a rule, it is wiser to eat more foods that need to be chewed: fruits and vegetables in their whole form or in the form of salads. Avoid anything packaged. A whole fruit is a better choice than a fruit juice. Whole grain or multigrain options are better than refined and processed.

Clean out your home pantry

No matter how determined you are, if your favourite unhealthy snacks are within your reach in your pantry, eventually you will give in and eat them. Clear your pantry and keep healthy foods accessible so the temptation is far lesser.

Eat mindfully to lose weight

Binge-watching Netflix or talking on the phone while eating your meal takes your attention away from how much you actually consume. Spare 10 minutes for each of your meals and actually savour and chew your food—you will feel much more satisfied.

Be kind to yourself

Eating something that you enjoy (even if it's not technically healthy) from time to time should not make you feel guilty and unhappy. Teach yourself limits, and give yourself permission to enjoy a treat once in a while, guilt free.



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