Let’s face it, the word diet just sounds wrong.
The idea of having to follow a strict protocol that involves measuring out portions or having to stay away from any quantity or type of food we love can be tough! In fact, it can be enough to toss the whole idea of losing weight.
I know I have learned the hard way over the years. A diet will work for a short time, then the bad habits take over again!
The truth is that you can change your eating habits without having to go on a plan that uses the dreaded D-word. Below find some quick tips for success that I have found works for me.
How to Eat Healthy Without “Dieting”
Start with salad
Fresh veggies, in a rainbow of colors, is priority one for the “filler food” that you’ll need to keep hunger at bay and nutrition at an all-time high. Also, eating lots of colorful, crunchy, fresh veggies will deliver both water and fiber to your diet along with needed vitamins and minerals. It can be the main part of your meal too! A giant chef’s salad or taco salad? Yum!
Protein portions should be as big as your fist
Your heart is as big as your fist, which means that if you’re eating protein to feed the heart it should be about the size of your heart. Any more than that and you can cause stress to your organs as they attempt to process what you’ve eaten.
Steer clear of processed foods, table sugar, fried foods, additives and preservatives
Make your eating plan about healthy, fresh, whole foods… and you’ll get to enjoy all of your favorites, in moderation, minus the junky filler (like chips and cheese food powder) that cause us to gain weight and feel bad.
Soup can be a meal
So many people eat double when they make soup a starter which leads to another course and then another. Soup, when made from simmered animal bones, is one of the most life-giving forms of sustenance. Add extra protein to fuel the muscles and brain. Toss in some tasty, healthy veggies and a small portion of complex carbs, such as brown rice or sweet potato. Include aromatics like garlic and onion for a boost of flavor-packed, immune boosting power. You’ve got yourself a hearty, healthy soup that eats like a meal because it is a meal!
Split your fruit portions in half
Most grown adults don’t need the full serving of fruit sugar that comes with eating a whole banana, apple, orange or other fruit. Worried about your apple wedges turning brown? Toss them with fresh lemon juice to keep the color bright and free of rusting. You can still enjoy some fruits and lose weight too!
Split your meal portions in half
Still working on this one! Especially when we eat out, most servings are large! Don’t be tempted to eat it all at one sitting. Ask for a to-go box right when your dinner is served and box half of it. Then if you get hungry later, you can eat it.
Strictly limit dessert portions
You don’t have to never eat dessert again, but the key is to be really strategic about this type of indulgence.
* First, save it for the very special occasions.
* Second, if you’re going for a rich and sinful treat, go with about a quarter of the portion you normally would. Be slow and mindful in your enjoyment but aware of the sugar contents.
I am working on eating mindfully. It can be done small steps at a time and this layout is a good process to follow.
What tips and tricks have you discovered that help you to eat healthy without dieting
Hi! I’m Chris! Just a Midlife Wife sharing about life’s journey; screaming and kicking through it while supposedly aging gracefully…
Focusing on healthy living, low carb & keto, things I am loving right now, and life in general.