If you are on a healthy eating diet plan right now, there is one thing you can be sure of: there are some major do’s and don’ts. Too many people get into the habit of looking at one aspect of the plan and focus on that exclusively. For instance, it might be calories, so they think about their calorie intake, and that becomes their primary focus. They look at eating low carbs, and carbohydrates become their primary focus 24 hours a day.
It is crucial you do not miss the big picture here. Take a step back and look at the best and worst steps you could take on your diet plan…
Best: Eat More Greens. There is no doubt about it; you need to eat more greens. Any fresh produce will do. Get it in – the more, the better.
Worst: Drink Your Calories. One point to focus on avoiding is drinking your calories. When you drink your calories, you are not going to get the same satiety benefits you would if you ate them; therefore you may find yourself consuming more calories than you initially planned. Focus on food calories and drink water. The only exception to this is with protein powder shakes.
Best: Add More Protein. Speaking of protein powder, do focus on including more protein in your diet. Most people are not eating enough, so more will do you well. Chicken, fish, turkey, lean steak, eggs, protein powder – all are excellent sources.
Worst: Go To Extremes. Another step you can take is to ensure you do not go to extremes. Avoid eating an ultra-low calorie diet plan as this will only lead to a sluggish metabolism and stalled fat loss.
Avoid cutting all carbs or fats out of your diet plan – you need those nutrients. Balance is critical.
Best: Eat More Omega-3 Fats. It is essential to take in enough omega-3 fatty acids, and this is another area where many people fall short. Omega-3 fatty acids are one of the healthiest nutrients you can eat, so be mindful about including them. Salmon, flaxseed, and walnuts are all great choices.
Worst: Forget About Nutritional Value. Finally, make sure you do not become so caught up in watching the calorie numbers you forget to consider the actual nutritional value of the food you choose. Does the food contain sufficient nutrients for example, or will the food be considered empty calories? A diet full of processed foods is never going to be a good option.
If you keep these tips in mind, you should be on your way to eating healthier than ever.
