Top 6 Tips For a Healthy Lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle doesn’t have to be hard, expensive, or boring!
1. Find that one approach that works for you and stick it out – Don’t be tempted by the latest fad diets or exercise regimes that are trending online – we’re all individuals and need different things – find the thing that works for you and your lifestyle and nail it!
2. You don’t need to fear carbs but you need to be smart with them – Instead of avoiding them all together, fill up on a small portion of complex/high fibre carbs at each meal. A handy tip when plating your meals is to fill 1/4 of your plate with lean protein, 1/4 of your plate with a high fibre carb source (eg. brown rice, high fibre pasta or a potato) and then add 1/2 a plate of colourful salad or non starchy veggies. By pairing the carb with a fibre and protein source, it slows the digestion of the meal making you feel fuller for longer (and preventing over eating later!).
3. Eat more nutrient dense foods, not calorie dense foods – I see a lot of people snacking on nuts, smoothies, chocolate, biscuits, brownies etc etc and often forgetting that these things are very high in calories. Whereas a plate of boiled egg, hummus, strawberries and some vegetable sticks is an example of a nutrient dense snack. Not only do nutrient dense foods have less calories, they also have more volume meaning you’ll stay fuller for longer and of course you’re eating more nutrients and vitamins/minerals too.
4. Meal prep at least once a week –Most people fail as they are busy and eat on the run or eat out too much – meal prepping eliminates the need to cook when you’re tired, busy or stressed. If you’re a beginner to meal prep – try and spend at least one hour a week prepping some meals. It doesn’t have to be every meal – just choose one or choose to prep some healthy snack choices.
5. Don’t drink your calories – Often we forget just how calorie dense our drinks can be. Solid food has so much more sustenance to it and will help to keep you full for so much longer. Be aware of the hidden sugar and calories in drinks – especially those marketed as ‘healthy’ using words such as ‘protein/ workout/ superfood’.
6. Remember you’re only human -Most people fail when it comes to healthy eating as they are chasing perfection – remember, one take away won’t make you fat just like one salad won’t make you healthy. If you eat something that wasn’t healthy – instead of beating yourself up about it – just accept it and move on. Make your very next meal a healthy option (don’t wait till Monday!) and add a walk in after work if needed. Life is about balance – learn to eat well 80% of the time and enjoy your favourite foods and drinks the other 20%. This approach is so much more sustainable than rapid dieting which just causes your weight to yo-yo and restricts your favourite foods until your will power runs out, you fall off the wagon and you’re back to your old habits. You’re only human – aim for progress – not perfection.
If you are ready to find a plan that is practical, flexible AND balanced, then check out my 1 on 1 coaching programs and let’s work together!
