People often think I am anorexic or dieting. In reality, I am trying to be health-conscious. As a child, I ate like a child, not knowing any better. Whatever cookies and chips I could get my hands on. Not so bad when you're six-years-old (besides the poor eating habits it may breed), a bit worse when your metabolism slows down and you start realizing that cardiovascular disease is one of the top killers. All in all, teaching us as kids how to read nutrition facts labels was useful!
And to maintain healthier eating with the knowledge of the portions of all sorts of fats and sodium you are consuming, I have gathered these things that I try to follow to be and feel healthier! You literally are what you eat, since your body breaks down the food into its elements, and less of the bad stuff helps you feel less tired thoughout the day. And healthier food gets you more energy! Hoorah~!
Therefore I present to you how I "diet" aka how to eat healthier, and not consume so much junk:
1. Shop consciously.
Most obvious of all, don't buy junk food. If you don't have it stored at home, there's no temptation to eat it. You're more likely to grab a healthier snack if you get hungry if those are what you have on hand. Make a shopping list of the foods you mean to get beforehand so you don't grab things off the shelf that you know you'll regret later.
If you do need to grab some random foods, make sure you look at the labels. Does it have excessive fat? Sugar? If the answer is yes, look for a healthier alternative.
2. Watch your portions.
Make sure that when you eat, don't eat until you're full. Prepare a set amount you know will keep you satisfied and don't overeat, perhaps by using a certain bowl or plate. This is something I have to constantly remind myself about, because I think I need (or want lol) to eat more when I don't have to.
3. Eat to avoid hunger.
Weird concept, right? In essence, don't starve yourself - if you don't ever feel hungry, you're less likely to overeat because you think you need more food. Have a three hour long class? Bring something healthy to eat beforehand to stave off any hunger pangs that might cause you to snack during class or binge later.
Personally, when I had to be at college for the whole day basically, I would eat a granola bar before every lecture, which kept me perfectly satisfied until mealtimes. FiberOne bars are my love.
4. Eat when you're hungry.
Another strange thought. But just eat a little - hungry before bed? Eat a small snack (and if you've only bought healthy things to store in your pantry as I've mentioned earlier, it shouldn't be too bad either), and not a whole meal. Otherwise, it might imbalance your appetite for following days.
Furthermore, when you're going to have the occasional not-so-great food, fill up on healthier food beforehand so you'll feel more full after having those empty calories that you know would surely leave you hungry for more.
5. Keep track.
If you grew up on the school system I have, you've recorded everything you've eaten for at least a few days as an assignment. I've found that doing this at least a few times a week can be insightful to what you're putting into your body. You know what you should cut down on, and perhaps more importantly, what you are missing. There are a lot of essential vitamins and minerals that I lacked in, and most likely contributed to my perpetual college tiredness.
6. Do things you know makes you want to eat less.
No one wants to eat when their teeth are minty and fresh. If you feel like eating just for the sake of eating, but don't wish to, brush your teeth. Wear a retainer if you have one. Chew some gum.
7. Keep a schedule.
Eat only at times you assign yourself (maybe all mealtimes and a snack between each one), and at all other times, keep yourself busy and away from tempting food.
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8. Stay hydrated.
It's often said that you can mistake thirst for hunger - and drinking water is good for you! I like to carry a water bottle with me at all times so I can grab a drink first, instead of a snack.
9. Inform, therefore condition yourself.
If you know the effects, both negative and positive, of different foods and ingredients, you're more likely to gravitate to foods that you know are healthy and don't have detrimental effects on your health. Read up on your foods, but make sure they're from reliable sources.
10. Be vegetarian.
An extreme, but do you know how much fat is in a regular hamburger versus a vegetarian hamburger? Yeah. It's awesome, and tastes awesome. And you're not eating dead animals. Win-win. Just remember to supplement your nutrients so you don't lack anything your body needs!
These are things I've known before but definitely had to refresh in my mind, as I'm living away from home for the first time and have to make all of my choices, including that of my daily diet.
A healthier lifestyle shift is going to be more beneficial rather than a temporary fix that isn't going to last or make you very happy. If you're going to "diet", make it a change to your diet and eating habits!
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