I’m so over dieting (and trust me, I’ve tried several!). I much prefer to eat in a way that does not feel restricted.
Sometimes people associate this idea that you have to fall into one camp (DIET = healthy) or another (No Diet = unhealthy). When the truth is that you can live a healthy lifestyle without feeling restricted or going on a specific diet. This may sound contrary to what you’ve grown up hearing and I get that. I lived in the era of weight watchers, atkins, special k diets, low carb, low fat, keto, paleo… and so on.
If you are looking to eat healthier without putting a label on it, check out my 3 tips for improving your nutrition without dieting!
- Eat more vegetables
- I’m sure this isn’t a shocker to anyone but eating more vegetables is essential for anyone wanting to be healthier. Vegetables hold important vitamins that our bodies need to function and are low in calories/sugar/fat. It is also very difficult to over eat vegetables as many of them are rich in fiber, which creates the feeling of satiety.
- Add vegetables to your breakfast/lunch/dinner and snacks! Get creative 🙂 Play around with flavors and colors and don’t shy away from dips like hummus!
- Drink enough water daily
- Our bodies need water to function! But did you know that if we are dehydrated that it can cause an increase in appetite and cravings? Making sure you drink enough water helps your body stay hydrated and ensures that you do not overeat (binge eating).
- Sprinkle your treats into your week
- It is better to eat balanced (70/30) during the whole week versus, splurging it all on the weekend. Too often I see people eat incredibly strict during the week and then they over indulge on the weekend. The issue is we tend to feel the effects of over indulgence for days after (bloating, headaches, constipation, increased sugar cravings). Instead focus on finding balance with your nutrient dense food (vegetables, protein, healthy fats, complex carbs, fruit) and your treats (pizza, wine, dessert).